PRACTICAL  BASKETRY 


BY 

ANNA  A.  GILL 


TEACHER  OF  ORTHOGENIC  CLASS,  KENDERTON  SCHOOL,  PHILADELPHIA 


DRAWINGS  BY  THE  AUTHOR 


PHILADELPHIA 

DAVID  McKAY,  PUBLISHER 

604-608  South  Washington  Square 


Copyright,  1916, 
David  McKay 


THE  MEMORY  OF 

MY  FATHER 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2018  with  funding  from 
Getty  Research  Institute 


https://archive.org/details/practicalbasketrOOgill 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Preface . . . . . . . . . .  xi 

CHAPTER  I 

Equipment— Materials,  Tools  _ ............ - ......  19 

CHAPTER  II 

The  First  Lesson,  Weaves .  25 

CHAPTER  III 

■Weaving  Begun--Mats,  Borders,  Small  Baskets  (Models 
1-9) . .  •  ■  ■  . .  37 

CHAPTER  IV 

Separate  Bottom  Baskets  (Models  9-16) .  51 

CHAPTER  V 

Handles  and  Lids  (Models  17-22) . . .  6$ 

CHAPTER  VI 

Hanging  Baskets  (Models  23-28) . . .  77 

CHAPTER  VII 

Flower  Receptacles  (Models  29-34) . . .  89 

CHAPTER  VIII 

Oval  Baskets  (Models  3S~4i:)  . .  99 

CHAPTER  IX 

Trays  (Models  42-46) . . . .  iii 

CHAPTER  X 

Fruit  Basket  Trays  (Models  47-54) . .  121 

V 


VI 


Contents 


CHAPTER  XI  page 

Scrap  Baskets  (Models  55-60) .  133 

CHAPTER  XH 

Utility  Baskets  (Models  61-71) .  143 

CHAPTER  XHI 

A  Few  Words  on  Dyeing .  161 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Fronlispiece 

DIAGRAM  PAGE 

1.  Simple  Weaving .  26 

2.  Double  Weaving .  26 

3.  Pairing .  27 

4.  Double  Pairing .  27 

5.  Two  AND  One  Weave .  28 

6.  Three  and  Two  Weave .  28 

7.  Triple  Twist  or  Three-Rod  Coil .  29 

8.  Four-Rod  Coil .  30 

9.  Five-Rod  Coil .  30 

10.  Slewing .  31 

11.  Sixteen-Spoke  Center . 32 

12.  A  Split  Spoke .  32 

13.  Joining  Weavers .  33 

14.  Open  Border  No.  i .  38 

15.  Open  Border  No.  2 .  39 

16.  Closed  Border  No.  i  (Part  I) .  40 

17.  Closed  Border  No.  i  (Part  II) .  40 

18.  Closed  Border  No.  2 .  44 

19.  Closed  Border  No.  3 .  47 

20.  Heavy  Border . 37 

FACING 

FIG.  PAGE 

1.  Incision  in  Spokes .  37 

2.  Beginning  a  Mat .  37 

3.  Weaving  a  Mat .  37 

4.  Mat  with  Open  Border .  42 

5.  Mat  with  Closed  Border .  42 

6.  Basket  for  Mother’s  Buttons .  4S 

7.  Basket  for  Pencils .  4S 

vii 


viii  Illustrations 

FACING 

FIG.  PAGE 

8.  Basket  for  Spools .  45 

9.  Tooth-brush  Holder .  45 

10.  Barrel  Shaped  Fancy  Basket .  45 

11.  No.  I  Jardiniere .  45 

12.  Match  Tray .  45 

13.  Desk  Utility  Basket .  55 

14.  Covering  for  Small  Flower  Pot .  55 

15.  Striped  Sewing  Basket .  55 

16.  Sewing  Basket  (Double  Weaving) .  55 

17.  Sewing  Basket  (Check  Effect) .  55 

18.  Green  and  White  Basket .  60 

19.  Fancy  Sewing  Basket  No.  i .  60 

20.  Small  Sewing  Basket .  60 

21.  Small  Carrying  Basket .  68 

22.  Little  Marketing  Basket .  68 

23.  Lunch  Basbet  with  Lid .  68 

24.  Oval  Basket  with  Lid .  68 

25.  Candy  Basket .  69 

26.  Fancy  Sewing  Basket  with  Lid .  73 

27.  Small  Green  Hanging  Basket .  80 

28.  Small  Flower  Receptacle .  80 

29.  Hanging  Basket .  80 

30.  No.  2  Bowl  Shaped  Hanging  Basket .  80 

31.  No.  3  Hanging  Basket .  80 

32.  Basket  with  Braided  Handle .  83 

33.  Bowl  Shaped  Basket  with  Flared  Top .  83 

34.  Funnel  Shaped  Hanging  Basket .  83 

35.  Large  Green  Funnel  Shaped  Hanging  Basket .  83 

36.  Vase  with  Handles .  90 

37.  No.  2  Green  Jardiniere .  93 

38.  No.  3  Jardiniere  in  Oval  Reed .  93 

39.  Jardiniere  for  Rubber  Plant .  93 

40.  Oval  Reed  Jardiniere .  93 

41.  No.  I  Fern  Dish .  90 


Illustrations 


IX 


FACING 

FIG.  PAGE 

42.  No.  2  Fern  Dish .  go 

43.  Flower  Basket .  90 

44.  No.  I  Oval  Flower  Basket  with  Round  Base . 100 

45.  No.  2  Oval  Flower  Basket  (Green  and  Brown) .  100 

46.  No.  3  Oval  Flower  Basket .  100 

47-53-  Oval  Bases .  102 

54.  Card  Tray .  128 

55.  Oval  Base  Basket .  106 

56.  No.  I  Oval  Base  Flower  Basket .  106 

57.  Small  Oval  Base  Flower  Basket .  106 

58.  Pin  Tray .  115 

59.  Candy  Tray  No.  i .  115 

60.  Candy  Tray  No.  2 . 115 

61.  Cake  Tray .  115 

62.  No.  I  Sandwich  Tray .  115 

63.  No.  2  Sandwich  Tray .  115 

64.  No.  1  Fruit  Basket  Tray .  124 

65.  No.  2  Fruit  Basket  Tray .  124 

66.  No.  3  Fruit  Basket  Tray .  124 

67.  Small  Serving  Tray .  128 

68.  Small  Scrap  Basket  (Checker  Design) .  134 

69.  Large  Scrap  Basket  (Checker  Design) .  134 

70.  Scrap  Basket  in  Oval  Reed .  144 

71.  Rush  Scrap  Basket .  144 

72.  Artistic  Basket  with  Lid .  144 

73.  Knitting  Basket .  144 

74.  Mother’s  Sewing  Basket .  146 

75.  Lily  Basket .  146 

76.  Small  Barrel  Shaped  Rush  Basket .  148 

77.  Large  Rush  Scrap  Basket .  148 

78.  Scrap  Basket  (Open  Work) .  153 

79.  Fancy  Scrap  Basket .  153 

80.  Artistic  Scrap  Basket .  155 

81.  Father’s  Waste  Paper  Basket .  155 


PREFACE 


Basketry  is  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  valuable 
of  the  crafts.  As  far  back  as  the  time  of  the  Israel¬ 
ites  we  read  of  its  usefulness  in  offering  sacrifices. 
Of  necessity  it  was  born,  and  in  its  infancy  was 
made  into  simple  forms,  but  very  soon  its  impor¬ 
tance  to  man  was  so  duly  felt  and  appreciated  that 
new  forms  took  shape,  and  its  uses  were  so  ex¬ 
tended  that  the  early  basket  makers  vied  with  one 
another  in  producing  pleasing  work  and  in  dis¬ 
covering  new  and  various  kinds  of  materials  to  put 
into  it. 

Though  the  Chinese  and  Japanese  have  sent  us, 
for  long  years,  marvelous  things  of  beauty,  it  is  to 
our  American  Indian  that  we  owe  our  debt  for 
beauty  and  artistry  of  this  industry;  for  industry 
it  is. 

It  seems  quite  impossible  to  me  to  write  on 
basketry  without  mentioning  the  Indian  and  his 
connection  with  it,  for  we  can  very  safely  call  him 
the  master  artist  of  basket  work.  In  its  history, 
and  a  romantic  one  it  is,  the  Indian  figures  first 


XI 


Xll 


Preface 


and  last.  The  Indian  woman  was  never  satisfied 
with  the  materials  just  at  hand;  she  sought  for  and 
tried  all  kinds,  in  season  and  out  of  season,  and  she 
chose,  unerringly,  the  best.  Pier  patience  was  with¬ 
out  limit  in  her  experiments  in  materials,  dyes  and 
weaves,  with  the  result  that  her  basketry  is  the 
peer  of  any  in  the  world.  Her  sample  work  was 
nature — and  into  every  line  of  her  basket  she  wove 
a  meaning  symbolical  of  something  in  particular. 

Serious  study  of  Indian  basketry  would  serve 
both  as  an  inspiration  and  stimulation  to  better 
work:  its  intricacy,  its  poetry  and  its  artistry 
would  be  a  revelation,  and  give  a  fuller  understand¬ 
ing  of  a  people  so  sadly  misunderstood. 

Basketry  was  used  by  the  primitive  Indians  in 
carrying  water.  When  there  was  a  scarcity,  and 
careful  conservation  was  necessary,  the  basket  was 
the  article  used  as  a  conveyance.  Some  of  the 
California  Indians  up  to  this  day  use  their  baskets 
successfully  as  cooking  utensils,  while  the  bassinet, 
made  out  of  basketry,  was,  and  is  still,  used  by  the 
Indian  to  hold  the  papoose. 

Basketry  is  an  important  factor  in  the  promotion 
of  education.  Its  wide  influence  is  felt  not  only  in 
the  class  room  but  in  homes,  settlement  work,  blind 
institutions,  asylums,  in  fact  in  institutions  of  all 


Preface 


Xlll 


kinds.  The  importance  and  influence  of  basketry 
is  being  recognized  now  and  the  work  is  being  car¬ 
ried  on  in  earnest.  Within  the  past  five  years  it 
has  made  a  great  jump  and  in  most  institutions 
where  manual  training  has  been  introduced,  basket 
making  has  attained  a  prominent  place  in  the  train¬ 
ing  of  the  child. 

Basket  work  is  a  valuable  aid  in  the  character 
building  of  the  child,  for,  through  it  can  be  given 
lessons  in  patience,  perseverance  and  concentra¬ 
tion,  while  truth  and  honesty  can  be  effectually 
impressed  on  the  worker,  resulting  in  the  gradual 
though  steady  developing  of  the  will  power. 

Our  reorganized  school  systems  show  what  a 
specific  educational  value  manual  training  has, 
not  alone  in  the  manual  skill  which  the  child  at¬ 
tains,  but  also  in  the  mental,  moral  and  economic 
values  which  it  gains. 

The  desire  to  construct  and  create  is  strong  in 
childhood,  and  here  in  basketry  will  be  found  an 
astonishing  aid  in  inspiring  such  desire  and  in 
developing  constructive  ability.  Children,  especi¬ 
ally  boys,  find  it  fascinating  and  it  is  a  work  which 
appeals  to  them  in  all  their  moods;  frequently 
when  they  are  unable  to  do  any  other  kind  of 
school  work  they  turn  with  delight  to  basketry. 


XIV 


Preface 


The  child  who  works  steadily  over  a  basket,  and 
may  have  it  to  weave  and  reweave  many  times 
before  completing  it  satisfactorily,  is  not  only  re¬ 
ceiving  a  valuable  lesson  in  patience  and  thorough¬ 
ness,  and  gaining  much  experience  which  will  be 
of  inestimable  value  later  on  in  this  particular 
work,  but  he  is  being  trained  into  an  efficient  work¬ 
man  of  the  future. 

Basket  making,  which  handwork  the  children 
love  best  to  do,  not  only  develops  their  judgment, 
makes  keen  their  observation,  makes  them  dis¬ 
criminating,  but  it  has  a  stimulating  effect  upon 
their  minds  and  awakens  in  them  the  desire  to  put 
forth  their  best  efforts.  Hanging  baskets,  scrap 
baskets,  trays,  etc.,  mean  something  more  to  them 
than  a  piece  of  basket  work  done  merely  because 
of  its  utility.  Instinctively  they  recognize  the 
true  intrinsic  value  of  the  work  and  that  they  are 
real  workers,  but  also  it  is  the  beauty  and  the  sur¬ 
prises  in  basketry  development  that  has  its  strong 
and  attractive  appeal  for  them. 

Owing  to  the  simplicity  of  basketry  the  work  is 
being  generally  accepted.  The  child  of  seven  or 
eight  years  may  make  a  simple  mat  and  basket  and 
find  it  play  work,  while  the  older  child  may  make 
beautiful  useful  baskets  and  trays  for  the  home. 


Preface 


XV 


Originality  in  the  child  has  full  play  and  should 
always  be  encouraged  since  the  field  of  work  in  this 
ground  is  abundant;  and  he  should  never  be  dis¬ 
couraged,  no  matter  how  loose  the  weaving  may  be 
nor  how  crude  it  may  look:  he  will  soon  be  able, 
through  comparison,  to  discover  his  mistakes  and 
correct  the  poor  work. 

I  would  suggest  that  children  be  permitted  to 
criticise  their  own  and  each  other’s  work. 

The  celebrating  of  the  holiday  seasons  can  be 
nicely  carried  out  in  the  manual  training  period 
when  the  making  of  birthday  gifts,  Christmas 
trays,  Easter  baskets,  sewing  baskets,  hanging 
baskets  and  scrap  baskets  can  be  appropriately 
introduced.  Try  this  suggestion,  and  watch  the 
happiness  of  the  child  who  makes  gifts  for  his  loved 
ones. 

Sequence  in  basketry  should  be  followed  care¬ 
fully  with  beginners,  and  although  it  will  be  impos¬ 
sible  to  give  in  detail  all  the  steps  included  in  the 
subject,  the  most  essential  and  important  will  be 
given,  with  many  suggestions  in  models  for  ad¬ 
vanced  workers. 

In  conclusion,  just  a  word  to  the  special  class 
teacher  of  backward,  defective,  and  the  backward 
or  defective  delinquents.  The  course  presented  in 


XVI 


Preface 


this  book  may  be  used  in  the  sequence  given  or 
adapted  just  as  is  necessary  to  the  class  of  children 
taught.  Most  of  the  models  here  demonstrated 
have  been  successfully  taught  to  children  in  the 
backward  delinquent  class  and  have  been  a  means 
of  promoting,  mentally  and  morally,  the  welfare 
of  the  child;  directing  his  miscontroUed  energy 
into  proper  channels,  besides  making  his  school 
life  a  brighter  and  happier  one. 

That  this  book  may  be  of  help  to  the  basket 
maker  and  that  it  may  bring  much  success  and 
happiness  to  the  reader  is  the  wish  of  the  author 
who  has  spent  many  happy  hours  in  preparing  it. 


EQJJIPMENT 


PRACTICAL  BASKETRY 


CHAPTER  I 
EQUIPMENT 
Materials 

The  materials  used  in  making  these  baskets  are 
rattan  or  reed,  rafha,  rush,  straw,  hemp. 

Rattan  is  a  palm  which  grows  wild  in  India, 
Japan,  China  and  East  India  Islands.  The  rattan 
seed  is  black  and  corresponds  in  size  to  a  pea.  It 
is  a  notable  fact  that,  while  growing,  the  rattan 
always  faces  the  sun.  The  shoot  of  this  seed  grows 
four  years;  it  is  then  cut  close.  The  plant  pro¬ 
duces  almost  three  hundred  shoots  which  are  cut 
annually.  These  slender  shoots  attain  a  length 
of  from  three  to  five  hundred  feet.  They  climb 
the  highest  trees  and  hang  from  them  in  graceful 
festoons.  It  is  interesting  to  see  how,  like  the 
selfish  pumpkin  vine,  they  crowd  out  any  other 
plant  that  should  happen  to  be  in  the  way.  By 
small  fibres  which  spring  from  the  joints,  they 

19 


20 


Practical  Basketry 


fasten  themselves  to  the  trees,  and  they  hold  so 
tenaciously  and  have  such  grip  or  strength  that  it 
requires  several  men,  sometimes  as  many  as  a  half 
dozen,  to  separate  and  remove  them. 

The  reed  is  manufactured  from  the  rattan.  It 
has  been  manufactured  in  America  for  about  sixty 
years.  There  are  a  number  of  such  manufacturing 
plants,  among  which  the  Wakefield  Rattan  Com¬ 
pany  and  the  New  England  Company  have  made 
splendid  reed.  Germany  and  Belgium  give  us  the 
best  reed,  while  the  least  desirable  quality  comes 
from  China. 

The  outer  surface  of  the  rattan  is  glazed.  It  is 
cut  in  long  narrow  strips,  and  is  familiar  to  every¬ 
one  under  the  name  “cane.”  It  is  used  in  caning 
chairs.  From  the  pith  or  inside  rattan,  we  get  the 
reed  known  as  oval,  flat  and  round,  the  latter  being 
most  extensively  used. 

The  round  reed  varies  in  sizes  from  No.  oo  to  No. 
17;  No.  00  being  the  finest,  is  used  in  making  the 
centers  of  baskets,  in  finishing  handles,  and  in 
making  very  small  baskets  and  trays.  Sizes  i  to  5 
are  used  in  making  ordinary  size  baskets  and  trays, 
5  and  6  for  scrap  baskets,  8  and  10  for  handle 
foundations. 

The  reed  comes  only  in  the  natural  color,  but 


Equipment 


21 


may  be  dyed  into  many  beautiful  colors  either 
before  or  after  the  article  is  made. 

Oval  or  split  reed  comes  in  sizes  5  and  7.  This 
reed  makes  artistic  hanging  baskets. 

The  flat  ^  inch  wide  is  often  used  in  making 
foundations  for  sweet  grass  baskets,  and  it  also 
makes  durable  scrap  baskets. 

Raffia  is  the  outside  covering  of  the  Madagascar 
palm.  It  is  a  light,  tough  material  imported  in  the 
natural  or  straw  color,  but  may  be  dyed  in  many 
beautiful  colors.  It  is  sold  in  bundles  or  braids  of 
from  one  to  four  pounds.  Care  should  be  exercised 
in  using  this  material.  It  is  advisable  to  keep  it  in 
canvas  bags  or  hang  it  in  braids  in  the  class  room, 
as  careless  handling  may  cause  untidiness  or  tend 
to  disorder  in  the  class  room. 

Rush,  flat  or  braided,  is  imported  and  sold  in  the 
natural  and  dull  green  colors.  The  flat  rush  is  sold 
by  the  pound,  the  braided  by  bundles  or  bunches. 
The  braided  rush  makes  a  strong  scrap  basket;  it 
must  be  soaked  before  using  to  prevent  cracking. 
The  flat  rush  is  used  in  making  smaller  baskets. 

Straw  is  used  as  a  weaver,  and  can  be  woven 
either  wet  or  dry,  but  it  is  better  to  dip  it  in  water 
a  few  minutes  before  using.  Round  and  oval  scrap 


22 


Practical  Basketry 


baskets  may  be  made  by  combining  different  colors 
of  the  straw  with  the  natural  color. 

Hemp,  which  is  imported  from  the  Philippine 
Islands,  may  be  used  as  a  foundation  for  raffiia 
and  sweet  grass  baskets. 

Tools 

Very  few  tools  are  necessary  in  basketry,  al¬ 
though,  to  the  basket  maker,  who  intends  doing 
much  work  the  following  articles  are  essential: 
pruning  shears,  awl,  plier,  galvanized  tub  and 
bucket,  measuring  stick  or  rule,  knife  for  splicing 
the  reed.  Rubber  fingers  may  be  used.  For  the 
dyer,  rubber  gloves  and  large  earthen  pots  are 
necessary. 


THE  FIRST  LESSON 


.0 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  FIRST  LESSON 


Reed  is  a  brittle  material,  therefore  it  must  be 
soaked  in  water  before  using.  The  time  required 
depends  on  the  number  of  the  reed  used.  No.  oo 
merely  dipped  in  water  can  be  used  successfully. 
Nos.  I  and  2  can  be  used  after  soaking  in  water  ten 
minutes;  Nos.  4  and  5  after  fifteen  or  twenty  min¬ 
utes.  Either  cold  or  hot  water  may  be  used,  the 
hot  water  consuming  less  time  to  soak  the  reed 
than  the  cold. 

No.  4  and  No.  2  reeds  are  commonly  used  to¬ 
gether  in  ordinary  sized  baskets.  No.  4  for  the 
spokes,  which  form  the  foundation  upon  and 
around  which  No.  2,  as  the  weaver,  is  woven. 

The  weaving  of  a  round  mat  or  basket  is  begun 
in  the  center  and  woven  out  toward  the  end.  It  is 
absolutely  necessary  that  beginners  master  the 
fundamental  steps,  for  no  basket  can  be  well  made 
that  has  a  poor  bottom.  In  order  to  avoid  this, 
the  mat  is  practised  upon  until  the  art  of  weaving 
a  good  center  is  accomplished. 

The  following  are  the  commonest  weaves  used. 


26 


Practical  Basketry 


Simple  Weaving  is  the  commonest  of  all  and  is 
the  continuation  of  under  one  spoke  and  over  the 
next. 


Double  Weaving,  the  same  as  simple  weaving, 
only  that  two  weavers  are  woven  together  as  one. 


Pairing. — Two  weavers  are  inserted  back  of 
two  successive  spokes  and  crossed  between,  the 


The  First  Lesson 


27 


under  weave  brought  forward  each  time  and  made 
the  upper  weave.  This  may  be  used  on  an  even 
as  well  as  odd  number  of  spokes. 


Double  Pairing. — The  weave  is  the  same  as 
pairing  but  two  weavers  are  woven  together  as  one. 


Two  AND  One  Weave. — Simply  a  weaver 


28 


Practical  Basketry 


woven  in  front  of  two  spokes  and  back  of  one 
spoke.  This  makes  a  pretty  effect  in  oval  reed. 


Diagram  No.  5. — Two  and  One  Weave 


Three  and  Two  Weave. — One  weaver  woven 
in  front  of  three  spokes  and  back  of  two.  This 
weave  is  used  with  oval  reed  and  rush,  in  making 
scrap  baskets. 


The  First  Lesson 


29 


Triple  Twist  or  Three-Rod  Coil,  sometimes 
called  the  “Wale”  Weave. — Three  weavers  start 
back  of  three  consecutive  spokes.  Beginning 
with  the  first  spoke  to  the  left  and  weaving  to  the 
right  bring  the  left-hand  weaver  out  in  front  of  the 
next  two  spokes,  back  of  the  next  and  out  in  front. 
The  second  and  third  weavers  are  treated  in  the 
same  way,  always  bringing  each  weaver  in  front 
of  2  spokes  and  back  of  the  next  one.  This  weave 
is  used  mostly  in  beginning  the  sides  of  separate 
bottom  baskets  where  the  spokes  are  inserted, 
and  in  the  ending  of  baskets.  It  is  a  strong  foun¬ 
dation  for  borders  and  handies. 


Four-Rod  Coil  or  Rope  Twist. — Is  woven  in 
a  similar  manner  to  the  three  coil  weave  except 


30 


Practical  Basketry 


that  the  weavers  are  brought  in  front  of  3  spokes 
and  back  of  one. 


Diagram  No.  8. — Four-Rod  Coil 


Five-Rod  Coil. — The  weavers  are  brought  in 
front  of  4  spokes  and  back  of  i  spoke. 


Diagram  No.  g. — Five-Rod  Coil 

Upsetting. — Simply  a  strong  weave  used  in 
turning  up  a  basket.  Three  rows  of  a  three  or 


The  First  Lesson 


31 


four  coil  weave  are  usually  used  in  making  an  up¬ 
setting  on  a  scrap  basket. 

Slewing.— Two  or  more  weavers  used  as  one 
in  single  weaving. 


The  Sixteen-Spoke  Center  means  sixteen 
spokes  arranged  in  groups  of  fours  in  the  following 
manner:  first,  four  spokes  are  placed  in  a  vertical 
position,  the  next  four  in  a  horizontal  position  over 
the  first  four,  the  remaining  eight  spokes  arranged 
in  diagonal  positions,  one  diagonal  four  laid  over 
the  other  diagonal  four  in  an  opposite  direction. 
A  weaver  is  placed  under  the  left-hand  horizontal 
group  and  simple  weaving  is  woven  over  one  group 
and  under  another  until  four  rows  are  completed. 
The  spokes  are  then  separated  into  groups  of  twos 
by  bringing  the  weavers  over  and  under  every  two 
spokes  instead  of  four.  This  may  be  finished 


32 


Practical  Basketry 


either  in  simple  weaving  with  one  weaver,  or  by 
inserting  another  weaver,  in  pairing. 


In  cutting  the  ends  of  spokes  always  cut  obliquely 
to  prevent  the  reed  from  splitting. 

In  splitting  spokes,  the  incision  must  be  made 
carefully  in  the  center  of  the  spoke.  Do  not  make 
the  incision  larger  than  is  necessary. 


Diagram  No.  12. — A  Split  Spoke 


The  First  Lesson 


33 


Half  of  the  number  of  spokes  needed  should  be 
split  in  center,  and  the  other  half  inserted  through 
the  incision. 

In  beginning  a  new  weaver  join  it  to  the  other 
weaver  by  crossing  both  ends  back  of  a  spoke. 


3 


‘  '-'ij 


WEAVING  BEGUN 


Fig.  1  Fig.  2  Fig. 


CHAPTER  III 

WEAVING  BEGUN 


MODEL  l.—FIG.  4 
MAT  WITH  OPEN  BORDER 

Material 

6  spokes  No.  4  reed,  19  inches. 

1  spoke  No.  4  reed,  10  inches. 

2  weavers  No.  2  reed. 

I  strand  raffia. 

Make  an  incision  in  the  center  of  each  of  4  spokes 
as  illustrated  in  Fig.  i.  Through  these  4  spokes 
insert  the  other  group  of  4  spokes  and  the  short 
spoke  as  in  Fig.  i.  You  are  now  ready  for  the  first 
step.  Place  a  wet  strand  of  raffia  back  of  the  4  hori¬ 
zontal  spokes;  pass  it  over  the  group  of  4  vertical 
spokes,  back  of  the  5  horizontal  spokes,  over  the 
lower  4  vertical  spokes  and  back  of  the  first  group 
of  horizontal  spokes.  Separate  the  groups  of  fours 
into  groups  of  twos  by  bringing  the  raffia  over  2 
spokes,  under  2  spokes,  treating  the  short  spoke  as 
a  separate  group.  Fig.  2.  When  two  rows  have 
been  finished,  the  third  and  last  step  is  made  by 
weaving  the  raffia  under  i  spoke  and  over  the  next, 

37 


38 


Practical  Basketry 


thus  separating  each  spoke.  Fig.  3.  After  the 
spokes  are  well  separated,  take  a  piece  of  No.  2 
reed,  place  it  back  of  a  spoke  and  begin  weaving 
over  I  spoke,  and  back  of  the  next  one,  until  thirty- 
two  rows  of  weaving  are  completed.  This  will 
make  the  mat  about  5^  inches  in  diameter.  You 
are  now  ready  for  the  border. 

Open  Border  No.  i 

Allow  about  byi  inches  for  this  border.  This 
border  is  made  by  placing  each  spoke  back  of  the 
next  spoke  to  the  right,  and  pushing  it  down  by 
the  side  of  this  spoke  through  the  weaving. 


Open  Border  No.  2 

Open  border  No.  2  is  made  by  bringing  one  spoke 
back  of  the  next  two  spokes  to  the  right  and  push- 


Weaving  Begun  39 

ing  it  well  down  through  the  weaving,  by  the  side 
of  the  spoke. 


Diagram  No.  15. — Open  Border  No.  2 


MODEL  2.— FIG.  5 
MAT  WITH  CLOSED  BORDER 
Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  19  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  4  reed,  10  inches. 

1  ring  No.  00  reed. 

2  rings  No.  2  blue  reed. 

4  rings  No.  2  natural  reed. 

After  the  spokes  are  arranged  for  weaving,  take 
a  short  strand  of  00  reed,  fasten  and  separate  the 
spokes.  Weave  i)4  inches  with  00  reed,  then 
with  No.  2  natural  reed,  weave  six  rows.  Follow 
this  with  six  rows  of  blue,  then  change  to  natural. 


40 


Practical  Basketry 


and  weave  eleven  rows  natural,  then  with  the  blue 
reed,  weave  nine  rows,  change  to  natural,  and 
finish  the  weaving  with  six  rows  of  natural  color 
reed.  Complete  the  mat  with  the  following  closed 
border: 


Diagram  No.  17. — Closed  Border  No.  i  (Part  2) 


Closed  Border  No.  i 

Weaving  to  the  right,  carry  one  spoke  back  of 
the  next  spoke  and  out  to  the  front ;  proceed  in  this 
way  until  every  spoke  is  placed  in  this  position. 


Weaving  Begun 


41 


The  last  spoke  is  pushed  back  and  under  the  first 
one.  For  the  second  row  of  this  border,  place  the 
first  spoke,  which  had  been  brought  back  of  the 
second,  in  front  of  the  third  spoke  and  back  of  the 
fourth  spoke.  Continue  in  this  manner  until  the 
row  is  finished.  Be  careful  to  draw  all  the  spokes 
tight,  leaving  just  space  enough  for  the  preceding 
spoke  to  pass  through. 


MODEL  3.— FIG.  6 
BASKET  FOR  MOTHER’S  BUTTONS 
Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  16  inches. 

1  spoke  No.  4  reed,  9  inches. 

2  rings  tan  reed. 

2  rings  natural  color  reed. 

I  strand  of  raffia. 

The  bottom  of  this  basket  is  begun  just  like  the 
mat.  After  the  spokes  are  separated  with  the 
rafl&a,  begin  the  weaving,  and  weave  until  a  base 
three  inches  is  woven,  then  weave  two  rows  with  a 
weaver  of  the  tan  reed.  This  completes  the  bot¬ 
tom  of  the  basket.  Wet  the  spokes  well  and  with  a 
plier  press  them  hard  and  turn  them  up.  With  the 
same  weaver  continue  the  weaving  until  seven  rows 


42 


Practical  Basketry 


have  been  woven  up  the  side.  During  the  weaving 
hold  the  spokes  firmly  and  straight.  Change  the 
weave  now  to  the  natural  color  and  work  twelve 
rows,  then  with  another  ring  of  tan  reed  complete 
the  weaving  of  the  basket  with  nine  rows.  Finish 
the  basket  with  Open  Border  No.  2. 

Bands  of  tan,  combined  with  the  natural  color 
and  woven  over  brown  spokes,  make  a  very  pretty 
effect. 


MODEL  4.— FIG.  7 
BASKET  FOR  PENCILS 

The  second  basket  for  the  beginner  is  the  pencil 
basket,  much  like  the  first,  with  sides  higher  and 
with  a  closed  border.  This  basket  is  woven  all  in 
the  nautral  color  and  then  painted  in  gold. 

Material 

6  spokes  No.  4  reed,  15  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  4  reed,  8  inches. 

4  No.  2  weavers. 

I  strand  of  raffia. 

In  a  similar  manner,  as  illustrated  in  Fig.  4, 
make  a  base  2^  inches.  Turn  the  sides  up  sharply 
and  weave  3^^  inches.  Complete  with  Closed 
Border  No.  i. 


Weaving  Begun 


43 


MODEL  5.--FIG.  8 
BASKET  FOR  SPOOLS 

This  basket  is  woven  in  the  natural  color  and 
afterwards  dipped  in  brown  dye.  It  makes  a  use¬ 
ful  holder  for  spools. 

Matekial 

8  spokes  No.  3  reed,  14  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  3  reed,  8  inches. 

Weavers  No.  i  and  No.  2  Reed. 

With  No.  I  reed,  weave  a  base  four  inches. 
Press  the  spokes  with  the  plier  until  soft.  Turn 
them  sharply  upward  and  hold  them  straight. 
With  No.  2  reed  weave  the  sides  inches. 
With  the  spokes  weU  soaked,  press  and  hold  them 
in  towards  the  center  of  the  basket.  Continue 
the  weaving,  drawing  the  weaver  tightly,  until 
five  rom^s  are  woven.  Complete  basket  with  the 
following  border: 

Closed  Border  No.  2 

For  the  first  row  of  this  border,  place  each  spoke 
back  of  the  next  one,  weaving  to  the  right,  and 
bring  it  out  to  the  front.  For  the  second  row,  each 
weaver  is  brought  in  front  of  the  next  2  spokes  and 
back  of  the  next  spoke  or— -numbering  the  spokes 


44 


Practical  Basketry 


I,  2,  3, 4,  5: — No.  I  spoke  is  brought  back  of  No.  2 
spoke,  in  front  of  the  third  and  fourth  spokes,  and 
back  of  the  fifth  spoke,  where  it  rests.  Continue 
in  this  manner  until  all  the  spokes  are  woven  in 
position.  This  border  makes  a  decidedly  pretty 
effect. 


MODEL  6.— FIG.  9 
TOOTH-BRUSH  HOLDER 

This  little  curved  basket  is  woven  with  brown 
reed  over  natural  color  spokes.  The  border  is  of 
the  natural  color  reed  being  a  continuation  of  the 
spokes. 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  3  reed,  15  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  3  reed,  8  inches. 

Several  rings  No.  2  brown  reed. 

I  strand  brown  raffia. 


Fig.  9 


Fig.  7 


Fig.  10 


Fig.  S 


Fig.  6 


Fig.  11 


Weaving  Begun 


4S 


Weave  the  center  of  this  basket  with  brown 
raffia  to  carry  out  the  same  effect  as  the  brown 
reed. 

Weave  1%  inches  with  raffia.  With  a  No.  2 
brown  weaver  continue  the  weaving  until  a  base 
inches  is  woven.  After  the  sides  are  turned 
up,  continue  weaving  up  the  sides,  drawing  the 
spokes  gradually  outward  toward  the  weaver,  until 
the  basket  measures  2^4  inches  high.  Continue 
the  weaving,  drawing  the  weaver  tightly  and  press¬ 
ing  the  spokes  in  toward  the  center,  until 
inches  more  are  woven.  The  basket  should  now 
have  a  slightly  rounded  effect.  The  diameter  of 
basket  should  now  be  about  three  inches.  The 
basket  is  curved  outward  in  the  following  manner. 
Work  the  spokes  outward  and  press  them  down 
toward  the  side  of  basket;  hold  firmly  and  con¬ 
tinue  the  weaving  in  an  easy  manner.  When 
nine  rows  of  weaving  are  finished,  complete  the 
basket  with  Closed  Border  No.  i. 

MODEL  7.--FIG.  10 
BARREL  SHAPED  FANCY  BASKET 

This  basket  is  woven  over  green  spokes,  vdth 
green  bands  about  an  inch  from  the  top  and  bot- 


46  Practical  Basketry 

tom  of  basket.  Green  rings  may  be  made  for 
handle. 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  green  reed,  20  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  4  green  reed,  ii  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural. 

Weavers  No.  2  green. 

I  strand  green  raffia. 

Weave  a  center,  and  separate  the  spokes  with 
green  raffia.  With  No.  2  natural  reed  weave  a 
base  2)^2  inches.  Turn  the  sides  up  and  drawing 
them  outward  weave  ten  rows.  Change  the  reed 
to  No.  2  green  and  holding  the  spokes  in  the  same 
manner,  weave  a  band  of  green  inch  wide,  then  a 
band  of  the  natural  color  i  ^  inches  wide. 

Change  the  reed  now  to  green.  Hold  the  spokes 
well  in  toward  the  center  and  draw  the  weaver 
tightly.  Work  a  band  of  green  one  inch  and  finish 
the  weaving  with  one  inch  of  natural  reed.  Com¬ 
plete  the  basket  with  the  following  closed  border: 

Closed  Border  No.  3 

As  in  the  Closed  Border  No.  i  and  No.  2,  run 
each  spoke  back  of  the  next  spoke  on  the  right 
and  out  to  the  front.  The  second  row  is  woven 
by  placing  each  spoke  in  front  of  the  next  three 


Weaving  Begun 


47 


spokes  to  the  right  and  back  of  the  sixth.  Weave 
each  spoke  in  this  way  until  the  row  is  completed. 


MODEL  8.— FIG.  11 
NO.  1  JARDINIERE 

This  flower  pot  covering  basket  is  made  of  the 
natural  reed.  It  may  either  be  dipped  in  any 
shade  of  dye  or  stained.  The  one  illustrated  was 
dipped  in  dye  when  completed. 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  i8  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  4  reed,  lo  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weave  a  bottom  inches.  The  sides  are 
made  by  holding  the  spokes  outward  until 
inches  are  woven.  This  makes  the  diameter  of  the 


48 


Practical  Basketry 


basket  4^  inches.  To  obtain  the  outward  slant¬ 
ing  effect  point  the  spokes  straight  out  towards  the 
weaver,  and,  after  weaving  four  rows  turn  and  hold 
the  spokes  slantingly  upward.  Finish  this  weave 
with  six  more  rows.  Complete  the  basket  with 
the  Closed  Border  No.  2. 

MODEL  9.— FIG.  12 
MATCH  TRAY 

This  little  basket  may  either  be  used  for  holding 
matches  or  tooth  picks.  It  is  woven  in  No.  2 
natural  reed  over  a  small  drinking  glass,  with  No.  00 
as  weaver.  When  finished,  stain  in  old  rose  “Easy 
Dye”  diluting  the  dye  to  get  the  tint  desired. 

Material 

5  spokes  No.  2  reed,  loyi  inches. 

1  spoke  No.  2  reed,  6  inches. 

2  Weavers  No.  00  reed. 

Handle — 2  strands  No.  00  reed,  24  inches. 

Weave  a  base  i yi  inches  with  No.  00  reed.  Turn 
sharply  upward  and  continue  weaving  until  fifty- 
one  rows  of  single  weaving  are  woven.  Be  careful 
to  keep  the  spokes  straight  and  to  weave  closely. 
Complete  the  tray  with  Closed  Border  No.  i. 

Make  the  ring  handles  one  inch  in  diameter  and 
attach  to  the  basket  under  the  border. 


SEPARATE  BOTTOM  BASKETS 


CHAPTER  IV 

SEPARATE  BOTTOM  BASKETS 


Separate  bottom  basket :  the  bottom  of  the 
basket  is  made  separate  from  the  sides,  the  latter 
being  made  by  inserting  spokes  between  the  weav¬ 
ing,  after  the  bottom  is  finished,  and  attaching 
them  with  an  upsetting  of  three,  four,  or  five  rod 
coils.  A  bottom  with  an  even  number  of  spokes  is 
woven  with  two  weavers  in  pairing,  or  with  three  in 
triple  twist. 


MODEL  10.— FIG.  13 
DESK  UTILITY  BASKET 

Matemal 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  5  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  2  reed,  10  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  Natural  and  No.  2  Green. 

Make  a  bottom  five  inches.  For  the  sides  insert 
the  thirty-one  spokes  in  the  bottom,  one  inch  from 
edge.  Place  each  spoke  by  the  side  of  a  base 
spoke.  Turn  up  sharply  and  with  three  green 
weavers,  make  two  rows  of  triple  twist  in  this 


manner. 


52 


Practical  Basketry 


Place  each  of  the  three  weavers  back  of  a  con¬ 
secutive  spoke,  and  beginning  with  the  first  weaver 
to  the  left,  place  it  in  front  of  the  next  two  spokes 
to  the  right,  back  of  the  next  spoke  and  then  out  to 
the  front.  Treat  the  other  two  weavers  the  same 
way,  bringing  each  weaver  in  front  of  two  spokes, 
back  of  one  and  out  to  the  front.  Continue  this 
until  two  rows  are  woven. 

With  No.  2  natural  reed  weave  2]/^  inches,  hold¬ 
ing  the  spokes  so  as  to  get  a  very  slight  outward 
effect,  then  with  thirteen  rows  of  weaving,  draw  the 
spokes  inward  to  obtain  the  rounded  effect.  Finish 
the  weaving  with  two  rows  of  triple  twist  in  green, 
and  complete  the  basket  with  the  following  border: 
First  row,  each  spoke  is  placed  back  of  the  next 
spoke  to  the  right  and  out;  second  row,  each  spoke 
is  placed  in  front  of  three  spokes  to  the  right  and  in 
back  of  the  next  spoke,  where  it  rests. 

MODEL  11.— FIG.  14 

COVERING  FOR  SMALL  FLOWER  POT 
Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  5  inches. 

34  spokes  No.  2  reed,  18  inches. 

No.  2  natural  reed  used  as  weavers. 

No.  3  natural  reed  used  in  triple  twist. 


Separate  Bottom  Baskets 


S3 


Over  the  8  spoke  center  weave  a  base  in  pairing, 
^}4  inches  in  diameter.  Separate  34  spokes  in 
groups  of  twos,  and  considering  each  group  of 
spokes  as  one  spoke,  insert  them  in  base.  One 
spoke  in  base  will  have  a  group  placed  each  side 
of  it,  making  17  spokes.  Attach  the  sides  to  base 
with  an  upset  of  two  rows  of  rope  twist.  Work 
eighteen  rows  in  double  weave.  The  spokes  are 
now  flared  slightly  outward  and  five  more  rows 
complete  the  weaving. 

The  basket  is  finished  ofl  with  No.  2  Closed  Bor¬ 
der.  Continue  the  use  of  the  two  spokes  as  one 
throughout  the  border. 

MODEL  12.— FIG.  15 
STRIPED  SEWING  BASKET 

The  following  three  baskets  are  given  to  show 
how  colored  reed  may  be  introduced  and  the  effec¬ 
tive  result. 

Material 

10  spokes  No.  4  brown  reed,  inches. 

21  spokes  No.  4  natural  reed,  15  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  brown  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  brown  reed. 

Handle — 2  pieces  No.  5  brown  reed,  8  inches. 


54 


Practical  Basketry 


Over  a  lo  spoke  center,  weave  in  pairing,  six 
rows  in  natural  color,  change  to  brown  and  white, 
and  weave  four  rows  in  pairing,  change  the  weave 
to  natural  and  complete  the  bottom  which  should 
be  five  inches  in  diameter.  After  inserting  spokes 
for  the  sides,  weave  an  upset  in  two  rows  of  wale 
weave.  Place  a  natural  color  weaver  back  of  one 
spoke  and  weave  one  row  around,  stopping  at  the 
spoke  where  the  weaving  was  begun;  back  of  the 
spoke,  to  the  right  of  the  one,  where  the  first 
weaver  was  placed,  insert  the  brown  weaver  and 
weave  around  until  the  first  weaver  is  reached. 
Continue  this  weave,  first  the  natural  then  the 
brown,  holding  the  spokes  all  the  time  slightly  up 
and  outward.  Do  this  until  thirty-eight  rows  of 
weaving  are  finished,  nineteen  of  each  color,  alter¬ 
nating  white  and  brown  stripes.  Finish  the  basket 
with  two  rows  of  triple  twist  and  the  following 
border.  First  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  back  of 
the  one  to  the  right  and  out,  second  row  each  spoke 
is  brought  in  front  of  next  three  to  the  right  and  in 
back  of  the  fourth  spoke. 

Handle 

Place  one  end  of  an  8  inch  spoke  well  down 
by  the  side  of  one  of  the  spokes  in  the  basket. 


Fu;.  13  Fig.  17  Fig.  14 


Fig.  1'^ 


Separate  Bottom  Baskets  55 

Place  the  other  end  down  the  basket  leaving  about 
a  three  inch  space  between  the  ends.  To  the  left  of 
the  handle  place  a  brown  weaver  by  the  side  of  the 
inserted  end  of  handle,  bring  it  up  over  the  handle 
on  the  outside,  and  weave  three  twists  around  the 
handle  about  an  inch  apart;  bring  the  weaver  over 
the  handle  to  the  inside  of  basket,  down  under  the 
triple  and  out  to  the  front.  Follow  the  twist 
around  the  handle  with  the  weaver  until  the  handle 
is  completely  covered.  End  the  weaver  by  bring¬ 
ing  it  up  from  the  inside  of  the  basket  between  the 
handle  and  down  through  the  border  and  triple 
twist  where  it  is  lost  amid  the  weaving. 

MODEL  13.-~FIG.  16 
SEWING  BASKET  IN  DOUBLE  WEAVING 

Material 

10  spokes  No.  4  natural  reed,  $]/2  inches. 

21  spokes  No.  4  natural  reed,  18  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  brown  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  brown  reed. 

Handle — 2  pieces  No.  5  brown  reed,  8  inches. 

3  weavers  No.  2  brown  reed. 

Make  a  five  inch  base.  Fasten  the  sides  with  an 
upset  of  two  rows  brown  triple.  The  sides  of  this 


56 


Practical  Basketry 


basket  are  woven  in  double  weaving,  one  weaver  of 
brown,  the  other  of  natural  color.  Eighteen  rows 
of  slewing  with  two  rows  of  brown  triple  finish  the 
weaving  of  the  basket.  Hold  the  spoke  slightly 
out  and  up  while  weaving.  Complete  the  basket 
with  border  described  in  preceding  sewing  basket. 
Handle  is  made  as  in  preceding  basket. 

MODEL  14.— FIG.  17 

SEWING  BASKET  IN  CHECK  EFFECT 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  7  inches. 

32  spokes  No.  4  reed,  17  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  natural  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  blue  reed. 

Make  a  base  inches.  Insert  the  spokes  for 
sides  and  weave  two  rows  of  triple  twist  in  No.  4 
natural  reed.  The  sides  of  this  basket  are  woven 
in  blue  and  white  in  the  checker  design,  in  the  fol¬ 
lowing  way: 

With  No.  2  light  blue  reed,  weave  one  row,  stop¬ 
ping  at  the  spoke  to  the  left  of  where  the  weaver 
was  inserted;  back  of  this  spoke,  insert  a  natural 
color  weaver  and  weave  one  row  around  meeting 
the  first  weaver.  Continue  the  weaving  now  with 


Separate  Bottom  Baskets 


57 


the  blue  weaver,  work  in  this  way,  first  with  blue 
reed,  then  with  natural  color,  until  eight  rows  are 
woven — ^you  now  have  a  striped  effect  of  four  rows 
in  blue  and  four  in  white.  In  order  to  get  the 
checker  effect,  the  weave  must  now  change.  Bring 
each  weaver  back  of  two  spokes  at  the  end  of  the 
eighth  row  of  weaving.  If  the  weaving  is  correct 
the  ninth  row  of  weaving,  which  is  in  blue,  will,  be 
woven  under  and  over  the  same  spokes  as  the 
eighth  row,  which  is  white.  The  ninth  row  is  the 
beginning  of  the  new  group  of  weaving.  Continue 
this  weaving  until  you  make  five  or  six  checks.  The 
weaving  should  now  be  four  rows  of  blue,  four  of 
white,  four  blue,  four  white,  four  blue,  which  gives 
a  prominence  to  the  blue,  and  makes  a  decidedly 
artistic  piece  of  work. 

During  the  weaving  the  spokes  should  be  held  in 
an  outward  direction.  Follow  this  wdth  two  rows 
of  triple  twist  and  border  described  as  follows : 

Plaited  Boeder 

This  border  is  especially  appropriate  for  large 
baskets  and  trays.  Allow  thirteen  inches  for  this 
border,  spokes  ^  inch  apart. 

Insert  4  spokes  which  should  be  one  inch 
longer  than  the  spokes  of  the  basket.  Place  each 


58 


Practical  Basketry 


spoke  by  the  side  of  each  of  4  border  spokes. 
This  makes  four  groups  of  2  spokes  each.  Num¬ 
ber  these  groups  i,  2,  3,  4.  Bend  down  towards 
the  outside  of  basket  No.  1,2,3  groups.  Take  No. 
I  group  pass  it  over  Nos.  2  and  3  groups,  in  front  of 
No.  4  group,  and  back  of  the  next  spoke  which  is 
No.  5  spoke.  Bend  down  No.  4  group  towards  the 
outside  of  basket.  Place  No.  2  group  over  No.  3 
and  4  groups,  and  back  of  No.  6  spoke.  Bring  No. 
I  group,  which  is  back  of  No.  5  spoke,  to  the  out¬ 
side  of  basket,  by  crossing  it  over  No.  2  group  be¬ 
tween  No.  5  and  No.  6  spokes.  Now  bend  down 
No.  5  spoke  by  the  side  of  this  group.  Pass  No.  3 
group  over  the  two  groups  on  the  outside  of  basket, 
and  up  between  the  two  upright  spokes.  No.  2 
group  is  brought  to  the  outside  of  basket  by  cross¬ 
ing  it  over  No.  3  group  between  No.  6  and  No.  7 
spokes.  Bend  down  No.  6  spoke  by  the  side  of 
this  group.  No.  4  group  is  woven  in  same  manner 
as  No.  2  and  3.  After  the  fourth  group  is  woven, 
you  should  have  one  group  of  2  spokes  on  the  inside 
of  basket  and  three  groups  of  3  spokes  each  on  the 
outside  of  basket.  Continue  the  border  by  weav¬ 
ing  two  of  each  group  of  3  spokes,  lying  on  outside 
of  basket,  over  the  next  two  groups  on  the  outside 
of  basket,  in  front  of  the  first  upright  spoke,  and 
back  of  the  second  where  it  rests  until  next  group 


Separate  Bottom  Baskets 


59 


is  woven.  The  first  inside  group  now  is  drawn  to 
the  outside  of  the  basket  by  crossing  it  over  this 
group  between  the  two  upright  spokes.  The  first 
upright  spokes  are  always  bent  down  to  the  outside 
of  basket  by  the  side  of  this  group.  When  all  the 
groups  are  woven  in  this  manner,  there  should  be 
I  spoke  from  each  group  facing  the  outside  of  bas¬ 
ket,  and  four  groups  of  2  spokes  each  on  the  inside 
of  basket  where  the  border  is  completed.  Cut  all 
the  spokes  closely. 

The  first  three  groups  of  spokes  at  the  beginning 
of  the  border  should  not  be  drawm  tight,  enough 
space  should  be  left  to  allow  the  last  three  groups 
of  the  border  to  pass  through  them  easily.  The 
remainder  of  border  should  be  woven  tightly  and 
close  to  the  basket. 

MODEL  15.— FIG.  18 
GREEN  AND  WHITE  BASKET 

This  little  basket  is  a  very  convenient  receptacle 
for  holding  loose  threads  or  scraps  while  sewing. 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  natural  reed,  5^  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  2  natural  reed,  10  inches. 

Weavers  No.  3  green  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  green  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 


6o 


Practical  Basketry- 


Through  an  8  spoke  base,  five  inches  wide,  insert 
the  31  spokes.  Weave  two  rows  green  triple,  fol¬ 
low  this  in  double  weave  using  green  and  natural 
reed.  Weave  seven  rows.  Change  to  single  weav¬ 
ing,  using  two  weavers,  and  weave  fourteen  rows  in 
the  striped  effect  showing  green  and  white  stripe. 
Complete  the  weaving  with  two  rows  green  in  triple 
effect  and  the  following  border : 

Reversed  Rope  Border 

Each  spoke  of  the  first  row  is  brought  back  of  the 
next  spoke  to  the  right  and  out.  In  the  second  row 
each  spoke  is  brought  back  of  the  next  spoke  and 
out,  showing  a  rope  effect  with  spokes  on  outside. 

MODEL  16.— FIG.  19 
FANCY  SEWING  BASKET,  NO.  1 

The  basket  is  woven,  over  a  16  spoke  center, 
entirely  of  No.  2  reed.  The  spokes  and  triple  twist 
are  of  brown  reed  while  the  remainder  of  the  basket 
is  woven  in  the  natural  color. 

Material 

16  spokes  No.  2  brown  reed,  26  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  brown  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 


Fig.  19 


Fig.  is 


Separate  Bottom  Baskets  6i 

Over  the  i6  spokes  weave  a  base  in  pairing  four 
inches  in  diameter.  In  the  first  three  rows,  con¬ 
sider  each  group  of  fours  as  one  spoke,  then  sepa¬ 
rate  the  group  of  fours  into  groups  of  twos  with 
seven  rows  of  pairing.  Consider  each  group  of  2 
spokes  as  i  spoke  throughout  the  base.  The  base 
should  now  be  four  inches  in  diameter.  Turn  the 
spokes  with  an  upset  of  three  rows  of  triple  twist 
No.  2  brown  reed. 

Holding  the  spokes  slightly  up  and  outward, 
weave  the  basket  two  inches  high.  Now  drawing 
the  weaver  tightly  and  pushing  spokes  inward 
toward  center  of  basket  weave  twelve  rows  of  single 
weaving.  Finish  with  three  rows  of  triple  twist  No. 
2  brown  reed.  When  this  is  completed  take  each 
spoke,  and  bring  it  out  back  of  the  next  spoke  to 
the  right  and  down  through  the  three  rows  of  triple 
twist.  Holding  the  spoke  firmly,  pass  it  through 
the  three  rows  of  triple  twist  at  the  base  of  the 
basket.  Continue  this  with  each  group  of  spokes, 
which  will  show  the  striped  effect  on  outside  of 
basket.  When  all  the  spokes  have  been  pulled 
through  the  triple  twist  at  bottom  of  base,  turn  the 
basket  upside  down,  and  if  the  open  border  at  the 
top  of  the  basket  is  even,  you  are  ready  to  complete 


62 


Practical  Basketry 


the  border  at  base  of  the  basket.  This  border 
serves  as  a  little  stand  for  the  basket. 

Border 

Weaving  to  the  right,  each  spoke  is  woven  in 
front  of  the  next  spoke  and  back  of  the  second 
spoke  to  the  right  where  the  end  is  cut  off. 


HANDLES  AND  LIDS 


CHAPTER  V 

HANDLES  AND  LIDS 


MODEL  17.— FIG.  21 

SMALL  CARRYING  BASKET  IN  STRIPED  EFFECT 

This  little  basket,  in  the  striped  design  of  blue 
and  white  with  blue  handle,  was  made  by  a  little  lo- 
year-old  boy  of  the  defective  delinquent  class. 

Material 

6  spokes  No.  4  natural  reed,  20  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  4  natural  reed,  ii  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  blue  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 

Handle — i  spoke  No.  4  natural  reed,  20  inches. 

Weave  a  base,  with  the  striped  design  carried  out, 
2^  inches.  Two  weavers  are  necessary  to  get  this 
effect — one  blue,  the  other  of  natural  color.  Weave 
these  two  colors  in  pairing.  With  the  spokes 
slightly  flared  outward,  weave  the  sides,  in  the 
striped  effect,  33^  inches.  With  two  weavers  of 
blue  and  one  of  natural,  weave  two  rows  of  “Wale.” 
Finish  with  Open  Border  No.  2. 

S  6s 


66 


Practical  Basketry 


Handle 

Insert  one  end  of  the  20  inch  spoke  of  No.  4  reed 
down  through  the  weaving,  to  the  right  of  one  of  the 
spokes  of  the  basket.  Insert  the  other  end  on  the 
opposite  side  of  basket  in  the  same  way.  Place  the 
end  of  a  blue  weaver  down,  through  the  weaving,  by 
the  side  of  inserted  spoke,  twist  it  over  the  handle, 
then  under,  then  over,  next  under,  over,  until  the  end 
of  the  handle  is  reached,  thus  making  nine  twists 
around  the  handle.  The  last  twist  is  passed  back  of 
the  handle,  over  the  triple  twist  to  the  inside  of  the 
basket,  then  it  is  brought  to  the  outside  of  basket 
under  the  triple  twist.  Following  the  twists 
around  the  handle,  the  weaver  is  twirled  in  this 
way  until  the  handle  is  completely  covered  by  the 
blue  weaver.  Four  rows  of  this  weaving  around 
the  basket  will  cover  the  entire  handle.  To  fasten 
the  end  of  the  weaver,  carry  it  back  of  the  spoke, 
between  the  woven  handle,  and  down  through  the 
triple  twist,  where  it  is  made  secure  and  then  cut 
off. 


MODEL  18.— FIG.  22 
LITTLE  MARKETING  BASKET  IN  GREEN 

This  may  be  used  in  gathering  eggs  from  the 
chicken  yard  or  in  doing  little  marketing.  It  is  all 


Handles  and  Lids  67 

woven  in  natural  color  reed  and  after  the  basket  is 
completed  is  dyed. 

Material 

10  spokes  No.  4  reed,  23  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  4  reed,  12  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  natural  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 

Handle — i  spoke  No.  5  reed,  26  inches. 

Over  spokes  weave  a  base  five  inches  in 
diameter.  Turn  up  with  three  rows  of  No.  4  reed 
in  triple  twist.  In  single  weaving,  work  the  sides 
five  inches  high  giving  a  slightly  rounded  effect  and 
widening  toward  the  top.  Finish  with  three  rows 
of  triple  and  the  following  border. 

Numbering  the  spokes  i,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  take  No. 
I  spoke  back  of  No.  2,  in  front  of  No.  3,  back  of  No. 
4,  in  front  of  No.  5,  back  of  No.  6  where  it  rests; 
then  No.  2  spoke  follows  in  the  same  way,  back  of 
No.  3,  in  front  of  No.  4,  back  of  No.  5,  in  front  of 
No.  6,  back  of  No.  7,  where  it  rests.  Each  spoke 
is  woven  in  the  same  manner  until  all  spokes  have 
disappeared  amid  the  weaving. 

Handle 

To  make  the  handle  firm  and  strong,  insert  the 
ends  four  and  a  half  inches  through  the  weaving 


68 


Practical  Basketry 


of  the  basket.  The  handle  is  entirely  covered  with 
No.  2  reed  as  described  in  preceding  basket. 

MODEL  19.— FIG.  23 
LUNCH  BASKET  WITH  LID 
Material 

lo  spokes  No.  4  reed,  4  inches. 

19  spokes  No.  4  reed,  13  inches. 

Handle — i  strand  No.  5  reed,  20  inches. 

Lid — 8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  18  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weave  a  base  four  inches.  Work  the  sides  four 
inches  high.  Both  the  top  and  bottom  of  the  sides 
are  woven  with  two  rows  No.  4,  triple  twist.  Finish 
with  the  following  border.  Number  the  spokes  i, 
2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8.  Turn  down  the  first  four  toward 
the  outside  of  the  basket.  Place  No.  i  spoke  back 
of  No.  2,  No.  2  spoke  back  of  No.  3,  No.  3  spoke 
back  of  No.  4,  No.  4  spoke  back  of  No.  5;  now 
bring  No.  i  spoke  over  No.  2  and  No.  3  spokes, 
in  front  of  No.  5  spoke,  over  No.  4  spoke,  back  of 
No.  6  spoke.  Carry  No.  5  spoke  back  of  No.  6 
spoke  and  place  it  by  the  side  of  No.  i  spoke.  In 
like  manner,  run  No.  2  spoke  over  No.  3  and  No.  4 
spokes,  in  front  of  No.  6  spoke,  over  No.  5  spoke 


Fiq.  21  Fig.  23  Fig.  22 


Fio.  26  Fig  24 


Handles  and  Lids 


69 


and  back  of  No.  7  spoke.  Place  No.  6  spoke  back 
of  No.  7  spoke  and  bring  it  out  to  the  front  by  the 
side  of  No.  2  spoke.  Continue  in  this  manner 
until  all  the  spokes  are  woven  in  the  proper  posi¬ 
tion.  Be  careful  to  make  the  border  uniform 
throughout.  The  diameter  of  the  top  of  basket 
should  now  measure  6^  inches. 


Diagram  No.  20. — Heavy  Border 


The  handle  is  not  completely  covered,  like  the 
preceding  basket,  but  a  small  part  of  the  founda¬ 
tion  is  shown  between  the  twists. 

The  lid  is  made  similar  to  that  in  the  preceding 
lesson  except  on  a  larger  scale.  It  should  fit  closely 
within  the  basket.  The  base  when  finished  should 
measure  6^  inches.  It  is  finished  off  with  a  Rope 
Twist  Border.  The  handle  of  the  lid  is  a  twisted 
ring  made  as  described  in  the  preceding  chapter. 


70 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  20.— FIG.  24 
OVAL  BASKET  WITH  LID 

Material 

6  spokes  No.  3  reed,  21  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  3  reed,  ii  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Lid — 6  spokes  No.  3  reed,  12  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  3  reed,  7  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

On  a  three  inch  base,  weave  a  slightly  rounded 
basket  five  inches  high.  Finish  with  Closed  Border 
No.  2. 

In  making  a  lid  for  a  basket  the  first  thing  to  be 
decided  on  is  its  shape;  if  the  basket  is  barrel 
shaped,  the  lid  to  harmonize  should  have  the 
curved  effect.  The  lid  of  this  basket  is  rounded  to 
correspond  with  the  basket. 

Lid 

Weave  a  good  center,  over  the  6^  spokes,  with 
either  raffia  or  No.  00  reed.  After  ^  inch  is  woven, 
begin  wdth  fine  No.  2  reed,  and  weave  two  rows, 
drawing  the  spokes  in  with  the  weaver.  After  two 
rows  are  woven,  hold  the  spokes  slightly  outward 
and  weave  fourteen  rows.  Complete  the  basket 


Handles  and  Lids 


71 

with  the  following  border  which  is  suitable  for  lids 
of  baskets; 

Rope  Twist  Border 

Each  spoke  is  passed  in  front  of  the  next  spoke 
to  the  right  and  brought  inside  the  lid.  For  the 
second  row,  each  spoke  is  passed  to  the  outside  of 
the  lid  over  the  next  spoke  to  the  right,  and  to  the 
inside  of  the  lid  where  it  is  cut  off  carefully. 

The  ring  handle  is  made  in  the  following  way; 

With  a  strand  of  No.  2  reed,  17  inches  long,  make 
a  ring  about  one  inch;  then  weaving  alternately 
with  one  end  and  then  the  other,  pass  the  ends  in 
and  out  around  the  ring — two  rows  complete  the 
ring.  When  the  ring  is  finished  you  should  have 
ends  about  3^  inches  long.  These  ends  are  fas¬ 
tened  above  two  rows  of  the  weaving  in  the  lid, 
thus  securing  the  ring  to  the  lid. 

After  the  lid  is  placed  in  proper  position  on  the 
basket,  it  is  fastened  by  holding  the  ring  down  by 
side  of  the  basket  and  placing  the  center  of  a  strand 
of  No.  2  reed  back  of  a  spoke  in  the  basket.  Draw 
both  ends  out,  and  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  pass  them 
over  the  lower  part  of  ring,  draw  them  under  the 
weaving  to  the  inside  of  the  basket  where  they  are 
woven  in  and  out  to  make  them  secure. 


72 


Practical  Basketry 


The  rings  for  the  front  of  basket  and  lid  are  made 
in  a  similar  way,  the  ends  being  woven  in  and  out 
amid  the  weaving  of  the  basket  and  lid.  One  ring 
should  be  smaller  than  the  other  to  keep  the  larger 
ring  from  slipping  out. 

MODEL  21.— FIG.  25 
C\NDY  BASKET 

Material 

lo  spokes  No.  5  reed,  6  inches. 

20  spokes  No.  5  reed,  8  inches. 

Lid — 10  spokes  No.  5  reed,  15  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  5  reed,  8  inches. 

Weavers  Nos.  00,  2,  5  round  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  oval  reed. 

Weave  a  6  inch  base.  Turn  the  sides  with  three 
rows  of  No.  5,  triple  twist.  With  oval  reed  No.  5, 
weave  7  rows  in  the  two  and  one  weave,  change  to 
No.  5  reed  and  finish  with  three  rows  triple.  While 
weaving,  the  spokes  should  be  slightly  dravm  in. 
The  following  border  is  used :  first  row  each  spoke 
is  run  back  of  one  spoke  and  out  to  the  front; 
second  row,  each  spoke  is  passed  in  front  of  the 
next  two  spokes  and  in  back  of  the  third  where  it 
is  cut  off.  Diameter  of  top  of  base  should  be 
almost  five  and  a  half  inches. 


Handles  and  Lids 


73 


Lid 

The  center  of  lid  corresponding  to  center  in  the 
base  of  the  basket  is  woven  and  separated  with  No.  oo 
reed.  Weave  twelve  rows  of  No.  2  reed  next.  Then 
with  oval  reed  No.  5,  weave  in  single  weaving,  five 
rows.  Hold  the  spokes,  to  get  a  slightly  rounded 
effect.  Turn  down  the  spokes  with  four  rows  of 
triple  twist.  Finish  the  basket  with  the  Rope 
Twist  Border,  described  under  Model  20.  The 
diameter  of  the  lid  should  be  a  little  over  6 
inches.  It  should  fit  the  basket  so  as  to  slide  off 
and  on  easily.  The  ring  handle  in  the  center  com¬ 
pletes  the  lid. 


MODEL  22.— FIG.  26 
FANCY  SEWING  BASKET  WITH  LID 
Material 

10  spokes  No.  4  reed,  5^^  inches. 

21  spokes  No.  4  reed,  16  inches. 

Lid — 16  spokes  No.  4  reed,  18  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  4  reed,  7  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed  and  No.  4  reed. 

Handle— I  spoke  No.  2  reed,  21  inches. 

Over  the  10  spokes,  weave  a  base  5^  inches. 
Insert  the  21  spokes  and  turn  them  up  with  two 
rows  of  triple  twist.  Hold  the  spokes  slantingly 


74  Practical  Basketry 

outward  and  weave  the  sides  4^  inches  high. 
Finish  with  three  rows  triple  twist  and  the  follow¬ 
ing  border : 

Border 

Numbering  the  spokes  i  to  7  and  weaving  to  the 
right,  place  No.  i  spoke  back  of  No.  2,  No,  2  spoke 
back  of  No.  3,  No.  3  spoke  back  of  No.  4,  No.  4  spoke 
back  of  No.  5.  Now  take  No.  i  spoke,  place  it  in 
front  of  Nos.  3  and  4  spokes  and  back  of  No.  5. 
Place  No.  2  spoke  in  front  of  Nos.  4  and  5  spokes 
and  back  of  No.  6  spoke.  No.  3  spoke  is  passed  in 
front  of  Nos.  5  and  6  spokes  and  back  of  No.  7. 
Continue  this  weaving  until  border  is  finished. 

Lid 

Arrange  the  16  spokes  as  described  in  Chapter  II. 
Weave  three  rows  in  pairing,  and  separate  the 
spokes  into  groups  of  twos.  Hold  the  spokes 
slightly  curved  and  weave  twelve  rows  in  pairing. 
Insert  the  one  seven  inch  spoke  and  weave  one  row 
triple  twist.  Now  hold  the  spokes  almost  straight 
and  continue  weaving  until  a  diameter  of  9^ 
inches  is  obtained.  Complete  the  lid  with  a  rope 
border. 

Attach  a  ring  handle  to  the  lid  as  shown  in  the 
model. 


HANGING  BASKETS 


CHAPTER  VI 
HANGING  BASKETS 

If  it  is  possible  to  add  more  beauty  to  nature  in 
the  arranging  of  flowers  and  vines,  etc.,  the  use  of 
the  various  and  wonderfully  attractive  hanging 
baskets  that  can  easily  be  made  will  afford  the 
opportunity.  The  harmonious  selection  of  flowers 
to  combine  harmoniously  with  the  color  of  the 
basket  is  open  to  the  artist  and  craftsman.  The 
opportunity  is  wide  for  originality  in  the  making  of 
these  baskets.  The  basket  maker  finds  himself 
flooded  with  so  many  ideas  that  it  is  impossible  to 
put  them  in  book  form.  The -following  are  a  few 
suggestions. 

MODEL  23.--FIG.  27 

SMALL  GREEN  HANGING  BASKET 

Material 

?)}4  spokes  No.  4  reed,  27  inches. 

Handle — i  spoke  No.  5  reed,  27  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weave  a  four  inch  base.  Turn  up  with  three 
rows  3  coil  weave.  Holding  the  sides  slightly  out¬ 
ward  weave  twenty-six  rows,  then  holding  the 

77 


78 


Practical  Basketry 


spokes  slightly  inward  and  drawing  the  weaver 
tight,  work  twenty-six  rows.  Complete  the  basket 
with  three  rows  of  triple  twist  and  the  following 
border:  First  row,  each  spoke  passes  back  of  one 
spoke  and  out  to  the  front;  second  row,  each  spoke 
is  brought  in  front  of  two  spokes  and  in  back  of  the 
next  spoke. 

Handle 

Place  an  end  of  the  No.  5-27  inch  spoke  through 
the  triple  twist  at  bottom  of  basket,  bring  it  up 
through  the  triple  twist  at  top  of  basket;  do  the 
same  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  basket.  When  the 
handle  is  thus  arranged,  with  two  rows  of  No.  2 
reed  make  a  twisted  handle.  Arrange  the  twists 
about  an  inch  and  a  half  apart. 

Figs.  28  and  29  are  small  flower  receptacles. 
They  are  both  woven  over  No.  4  reed. 

MODEL  24.— FIG.  30 

NO.  2  BOWL  SHAPED  HANGING  BASKET 

This  basket  is  worked  with  No.  2  reed  as  founda¬ 
tion  and  No.  I  reed  as  the  weaver. 

Material 

Syi  spokes  No.  2  reed,  21  inches. 

Handle — i  spoke  No.  5  reed,  28  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 


Hanging  Baskets 


79 


This  little  basket  has  a  three  inch  base.  Hold 
the  spokes  straight  and  weave  the  sides  about  one 
inch,  single  weaving.  Bend  the  spokes  out  and 
weave  two  inches.  Hold  the  spokes  in  toward  the 
center  of  basket  and  draw  the  weaver  tight;  in  this 
position  weave  two  more  inches.  Follow  this  with 
two  rows  of  triple  twist  in  No.  2  reed,  and  the  bor¬ 
der  described  under  Model  20. 

Handle 

Insert  the  ends  of  the  handles  two  inches  below 
the  top  of  basket.  Bring  them  inside  the  basket 
back  of  eighteen  rows  of  weaving,  draw  them  to  the 
outside  of  basket  and  down  in  front  of  sixteen  rows 
of  weaving.  Bring  the  ends  through  the  weaving 
to  the  inside  of  basket.  Fasten  the  ends  securely 
to  the  basket  by  weaving  a  strand  of  No.  2  reed  in 
and  out  in  the  form  of  a  cross.  With  one  ring  of 
No.  I  reed,  make  a  twisted  handle,  allowing  two 
inch  space  between  each  twist;  the  second  row  of 
handle  is  made  by  making  another  twist  around 
the  handle,  the  twist  being  made  in  the  middle  of 
the  intervening  spaces,  showing  a  separate  woven 
twist  all  way  around  and  having  a  spacing  of  one 
inch  between  each  twist. 


8o 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  25.— FIG.  31 
NO.  3  HANGING  BASKET 

This  basket  is  made  large  enough  to  allow  a  large 
glass  to  slip  in  and  out  easily. 

Material 

10^2  spokes  No.  5  reed,  24  inches. 

Handle — i  piece  No.  6  reed,  39  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  oval  reed. 

Weavers  No.  00  reed. 

A  base  4T2  inches  is  woven  in  the  following  man¬ 
ner  :  six  rows  of  single  weaving  of  No.  00  reed  sepa¬ 
rate  the  spokes.  Follow  this  with  five  rows  of  triple 
twist  in  No.  00  reed,  four  rows  of  single  weaving  in 
oval  reed  and  one  row  No.  4  reed  in  triple  twist. 
Turn  the  sides  up  with  four  more  rows  of  triple  twist. 
With  oval  reed,  weave  twelve  rows  of  single  weav¬ 
ing.  Hold  the  spokes  well  in  and  draw  the  weaver 
tightly.  The  diameter  of  basket  should  now  be 
2^  inches  wide.  Continue  the  wea\dng,  drawing 
the  spokes  well  out  and  holding  the  w^eaver  loosely. 
The  basket  should  have  eighteen  row's  of  oval 
weaving.  Follow  this  with  three  rows  of  triple 
twist  and  the  following  border:  first  row,  each 
spoke  is  passed  back  of  one  spoke  and  out;  second 


Fig.  29 


Hanging  Baskets 


8i 


row,  each  spoke  is  brought  in  front  of  three  spokes 
and  in  back  of  the  next  one. 

Handle 

Insert  the  ends  of  handle  through  the  four  rows 
of  triple  twist  at  the  base  of  basket.  The  ends  must 
be  inserted  just  opposite  to  each  other.  Place  a 
strand  of  oval  reed  to  the  right  of  inserted  handle 
and  between  the  third  and  fourth  rows  of  triple 
weave.  Draw  the  weaver  first  over  the  handle, 
then  under  the  handle.  About  two  inches  above 
where  the  handle  is  inserted,  pass  the  weaver  over 
the  handle  and  carry  it  to  inside  of  basket,  under 
the  border.  Twist  the  weaver  around  the  handle 
twenty-one  times.  Pass  it  down  under  the  border 
to  the  outside  of  basket;  three  more  twists  com¬ 
plete  one  row  of  the  handle. 

Now  run  the  weaver  to  inside  of  basket,  between 
the  third  and  fourth  rows  of  triple  twist,  cross,  and 
bring  to  outside  of  basket  at  the  left  of  handle.  The 
weave  is  continued  around  the  handle,  forming  a 
cross  at  every  twist  in  the  handle. 


6 


82 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  26.— FIG.  32 
BASKET  WITH  BRAIDED  HANDLE 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  5  inches. 

17  spokes  No.  3  reed,  ii  inches. 

Handle — 3  pieces  No.  4  reed,  40  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Through  a  five-inch  base,  insert  17  spokes. 
Weave  an  upset  of  three  rows  of  triple  twist.  To 
get  the  desired  shape  weave  twenty-two  rows, 
single  weaving,  holding  the  spokes  inward.  Now 
hold  the  spokes  out  and  weave  twenty-eight  rows. 
With  four  weavers,  placing  each  weaver  back  of  a 
corresponding  spoke,  weave  two  rows;  each  weaver 
in  turn  is  brought  in  front  of  three  spokes  and  back 
of  one.  Finish  with  the  following  border: 

First  row,  pass  each  spoke  back  of  one  spoke  and 
out;  second  row,  each  spoke  is  carried  in  front  of 
three  spokes  and  in  back  of  the  next  one. 

For  the  handle,  insert  the  three  pieces  No.  4  reed 
just  above  the  triple  twist  at  the  base  of  basket. 
Make  two  twists  and  pass  remainder  of  reed 
through  the  upper  eight  rows  of  weaving  and  lower 
two  rows  of  triple  weave.  Braid  the  reed  twenty- 


Hanging  Baskets 


83 


four  inches.  The  ends  are  now  inserted  through 
the  lower  two  rows  of  triple  weaving  and  the  upper 
eight  rows  of  single  weaving.  With  two  more 
twists  the  ends  are  carried  inside  the  basket  just 
above  the  triple  weave,  and  there  made  secure. 


MODEL  27.—FIG.  33 

BOWL  SHAPED  WITH  FLARED  TOP 

Material 

103^  spokes  No.  4  reed,  27  inches. 

Handle — 2  pieces  No.  5  reed,  35  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

The  base  of  this  basket  is  four  inches.  The  sides 
are  woven  in  double  weaving,  having  a  decided 
rounded  effect.  The  flare  at  the  top  is  made  by 
bending  the  spokes  down  the  outside  of  basket. 
An  inch  and  a  half  of  flare  is  woven.  Complete 
with  two  rows  of  triple  and  the  following  border: 
Hold  the  basket  upside  down  and  weave  to  right, 
in  front  of  one  spoke  and  over  two  spokes.  The 
sides  of  this  basket  are  23^  inches  high. 

About  half  way  down  the  sides  of  the  basket, 
insert  the  ends  of  the  handle  through  four  rows  of 
weaving,  the  ends  to  be  inches  apart.  The 


84 


Practical  Basketry- 


ends  are  fastened  securely  by  -weaving  in  and  out 
and  across  the  spokes;  the  weaving  is  continued 
under  and  over  the  handle  until  the  top  of  basket 
is  reached;  here  the  handle  is  made  secure  by 
canyung  a  weaver  over  the  handle,  and  working  it 
in  and  out  through  the  weaving  of  the  basket. 
Make  twenty-eight  inches  of  coil  with  the  two 
spokes.  Fasten  the  handle,  in  a  similar  manner, 
on  the  opposite  side. 

MODEL  28.— FIG.  34 

FUNNEL  SHAPED  HANGING  BASKET 
Material 

814^  spokes  No.  2  reed,  31  inches. 

I  piece  No.  6  reed,  36  inches. 

Weavers  No.  00  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

After  fastening  the  spokes  -with  No.  00  reed,  weave 
five  rows  of  single  wea-ving.  Change  the  weaver 
to  No.  2  reed  and  work  twenty-three  rows  in  single 
weaving,  holding  the  spokes  in  towards  center. 
Continue  the  weaving  until  fifty-seven  rows  are 
woven.  With  No.  4  reed,  make  four  rows  triple 
twist  and  complete  the  basket  with  border  de¬ 
scribed  under  Model  22. 


Hanging  Baskets  85 

When  finished,  the  diameter  at  top  of  basket 
should  measure  5^^  inches. 

Handle 

Insert  the  ends  of  handle  two  inches  from  bot¬ 
tom.  With  No.  00  reed  fasten  the  ends  to  basket 
with  the  tie  bow  effect,  then  finish  the  handle 
in  a  twisted  design. 

Fig.  35 

The  funnel  basket  under  Fig.  35  is  dyed  in  dark 
green.  It  makes  an  attractive  basket  for  cut 
flowers  and  vines.  It  is  made  of  No.  4  and  No.  2 
reed.  The  handle  from  No.  5  reed. 


FLOWER  RECEPTACLES 


CHAPTER  VII 

FLOWER  RECEPTACLES 

MODEL  29.— FIG.  36 
VASE  WITH  HANDLES 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  2  reed,  22  inches. 

1  spoke  No.  2  reed,  12  inches. 

•  Handle — 2  spokes  No.  2  reed,  20  inches. 

2  spokes  No.  4  reed,  20  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

This  covering  may  be  woven  over  a  small  vase 
or  a  pint  jar. 

Over  the  8^  spokes  weave  a  base  2^  inches. 
Pinch  the  spokes  sharply  and  turn  up  with  three 
rows  of  triple  twist  in  No.  2  reed.  Weave  around 
the  jar  in  single  weaving,  until  forty-four  rows  are 
completed.  For  the  handle  place  the  centers  of 
one  piece  of  No.  4  reed  and  one  piece  No.  2  reed 
between  the  42nd  and  43rd  rows  of  weaving,  twist 
the  No.  4  reed  around  in  a  plain  coil  and  carry  the 
No.  2  reed  around  this  coil.  Do  the  same  on  the 
opposite  side  for  the  other  handle.  Form  the  oval 

89 


90 


Practical  Basketry 


handle,  as  seen  in  picture,  and  secure  the  four  ends 
of  each  handle  in  place  by  fastening  them  to  jar 
with  a  fine  cord  which  may  be  pulled  out  later. 
Weave  twenty-nine  more  rows  in  single  weaving. 
Complete  and  fasten  the  handle  with  five  rows 
triple  twist.  To  prevent  the  handle  from  loosen¬ 
ing  or  falling  out,  the  triple  twist  should  be  woven 
over  and  under  the  ends  of  the  handles.  The  fol¬ 
lowing  border  completes  the  vase ; 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  placed  back  of  the  spoke 
to  the  right  and  out. 

Second  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  in  front  of  the 
spoke  to  the  right  and  in  where  it  is  cut  off  closely. 


MODEL  30.— FIG.  37 
NO.  2  GREEN  JARDINIERE 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  inches. 

34  spokes  No.  2  reed,  17  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Over  an  8  spoke  foundation,  weave  a  base  five 
inches.  Insert  the  34  spokes,  considering  two 
spokes  as  one,  making  17  spokes.  Turn  up  with 
three  rows  triple  twist.  In  double  weaving,  work 


Fig.  41  Fig.  42  Fig.  43 


✓ 


Flower  Receptacles 


91 


fifteen  rows,  holding  the  spokes  outward  toward 
the  weaver.  This  will  make  the  basket  three 
inches  high.  Now  holding  the  spokes  well  inward, 
weave  fifteen  rows  in  double  weaving.  The  basket 
is  now  inches  high.  Complete  the  sides  of  the 
basket  with  three  rows  triple  twist.  Finish  with 
the  following  border: 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  back  of  next 
spoke  and  out. 

Second  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  in  front  of 
next  two  spokes  and  in. 

Third  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  over  next  spoke 
and  in  back  of  the  next  where  it  rests. 


MODEL  31.— FIG.  38 
NO.  3  JARDINIERE,  IN  OVAL  REED 
Material 

10  spokes  No.  5  reed,  25  inches. 

Weavers  No.  00  reed. 

Weavers  No.  i  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  oval  reed. 

After  inserting  5  spokes  through  the  other  5 
spokes,  fasten  in  cross  form  with  No.  00  reed. 
Weave  seven  rows  with  No.  00  reed,  separating  the 


92 


Practical  Basketry 


spokes.  With  No.  i  reed,  weave  seven  more  rows. 
Follow  this  with  six  rows  of  No.  5  split  reed.  Work 
one  coH  of  triple  twist  with  No.  5  reed.  This  makes 
a  base  six  inches.  Pinch  the  spokes  sharply  and 
turn  up  with  four  rows  of  No.  5  triple.  Hold  the 
spokes  slantingly  inward  and  weave  seventeen  rows 
of  No.  5  oval  reed.  The  diameter  should  be 
inches.  Bend  the  spokes  outward  in  a  curved 
effect  and  weave  four  rows  in  No.  5  triple.  Com¬ 
plete  with  the  foUovdng  border: 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  passed  back  of  one  spoke 
and  out.  Second  row,  carry  each  spoke  in  front  of 
three  spokes  and  in. 


MODEL  32.— FIG.  39 
JARDINIERE  FOR  RUBBER  PLANT 
Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  6  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  18  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weave  a  base  5^^  inches.  Insert  spokes  and 
turn  up  with  four  rows  of  triple  twist  No.  4  reed. 
Follow  this  with  twelve  rows  of  double  weaving, 
three  rows  of  three-rod  coil  in  No.  2  reed,  ten  rows 


-  f. 


V 


I 


S’'. 


A 


Fig.  40 


Flower  Receptacles 


93 


of  double  weaving,  four  rows  of  three-rod  coil  No.  2 
reed,  nine  rows  of  double  weaving  and  three  rows 
of  three-rod  coil.  Complete  with  border  described 
under  Model  22. 

After  the  basket  is  finished,  dye  it  a  dark  brown 
or  green. 


MODEL  33.— FIG.  40 
OVAL  REED  JARDINIERE 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  8  inches 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  25  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  brown  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  oval  reed. 

Over  an  8  spoke  foundation,  weave  a  base  7^ 
inches.  Insert  31  spokes  and  set  up  three  rows  of 
No.  4  brown  reed  in  triple  twist.  The  spokes  are 
held  slantingly  outward  until  twenty-five  rows  of 
No.  5  oval  or  split  reed  are  woven.  Weave  seven¬ 
teen  rows  in  No.  5  oval  reed,  holding  the  spokes 
curved  in  towards  the  center  of  basket.  Complete 
the  basket  with  three  rows  triple  twist  No.  4  brown 
reed,  and  the  plaited  border. 


94 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  34.— FIG.  41 
FERN  DISH 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  2  reed,  inches. 

61  spokes  No.  2  reed,  16  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

This  fern  dish  basket  is  woven  over  a  small  white 
enamel  dish: 

Weave  a  base  5^  inches.  Insert  2  spokes  by 
the  side  of  each  base  spoke.  Consider  each  group 
of  2  spokes  as  i  spoke.  Turn  up  with  two  rows  of 
triple  twist.  Place  the  dish  in  the  basket  and, 
while  weaving  around  the  dish,  hold  the  spokes 
straight  and  draw  the  weaver  tight.  Weave  twenty- 
nine  rows.  Curve  the  spokes  over  the  dish  and 
weave  four  more  rows,  single  weaving,  and  two 
rows  of  triple  twist  in  No.  2  reed. 

Now  bring  each  group  of  spokes  back  of  the  next 
two  groups,  out  to  the  front,  through  the  triple 
twist  and  down  through  the  triple  twist  at  the  base 
of  basket.  When  all  the  groups  have  been  brought 
through  the  triple  twist  at  the  base,  turn  the  basket 
upside  down,  and  weave  the  following  border  for  a 
stand  for  the  dish : 

Weaving  to  the  right,  each  group  is  brought  back 


Flower  Receptacles 


95 


of  the  next  two  groups  and  out  to  the  front;  second 
row,  each  group  is  placed  in  front  of  the  next  spoke 
and  in  back  of  the  next  where  it  is  clipped  off. 

Fig.  42 

This  basket  is  woven  in  a  similar  manner  to  Fig. 
41.  The  spokes  are  of  No.  2  natural  reed,  while 
the  weavers  are  No.  2  light  brown  reed.  The 
border,  the  outside  spokes  and  the  stand  are  of 
natural  reed.  This  combination  makes  a  strik¬ 
ingly  attractive  basket. 

Fig.  43 

This  flower  basket  is  dyed  after  it  is  made  and 
then  waxed.  The  shape  may  be  molded  to  accom¬ 
modate  any  purpose. 


OVAL  BASKETS 


CHAPTER  VIII 
OVAL  BASKETS 


MODEL  35.— FIG.  44 
NO.  1  OVAL  BASKET  WITH  ROUND  BASE 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  5^  inches. 

39  spokes  No.  5  reed,  26  inches. 

Handle  “2  spokes  No.  $  reed,  35  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  reed. 

Weave  a  base  five  inches.  Insert  the  39  spokes, 
pinch  sharply  and  turn  upward.  Make  secure 
with  three  rows  No.  5  reed  in  triple  twist.  Weave 
an  inch  with  No.  2  reed,  holding  all  spokes  straight. 
Now  continue  the  weaving  by  holding  the  side 
spokes  straight  and  the  end  spokes  down  and  out 
towards  the  weaver.  Continue  the  weaving  in  this 
manner  until  seventy  rows  of  simple  weaving,  and 
three  rows  triple  twist  No.  5  reed,  are  made.  Finish 
with  the  following  border: 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  placed  back  of  two 
spokes  and  out. 


99 


100  Practical  Basketry 

Second  row,  each  spoke  is  placed  in  front  of  two 
spokes  and  in. 

Handle 

Insert  the  two  pieces  No.  5  reed  and  weave  a 
twisted  handle  as  shown  in  Fig.  44. 

MODEL  36.— FIG.  45 

NO.  2  OVAL  BASKET  (IN  GREEN  AND  BROWN) 
Material 

10  spokes  No.  5  reed,  5E2  inches. 

20  spokes  No.  5  brown  reed,  28  inches. 

19  spokes  No.  5  brown  reed,  15  inches. 

Handle — i  spoke  No.  8  brown  reed,  32  inches. 
Weavers  No.  2  green  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  brown  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  brown  reed. 

Weave  a  five  inch  base.  Insert  the  spokes, 
pinch,  and  turn  sharply  upward  with  three  rows  of 
brown  No.  4  triple.  In  pairing,  weave  with  No.  2 
green  reed,  twenty-three  rows.  Insert  19  spokes 
and  weave  three  rows  triple  No.  3  green.  Follow 
this  with  forty-one  rows  green  reed,  in  single  weav¬ 
ing,  and  three  rows  No.  4  brown  reed,  in  triple. 
Complete  with  the  rope  border. 

The  spokes  should  be  held  straight  and  firm  until 


Oval  Baskets 


lOI 


three  inches  of  weaving  are  finished;  then  the  ends 
are  spread  out  and  bent  down  towards  the  base  of 
basket  until  the  rest  of  the  weaving  is  completed, 
Fig.  45- 

When  completed  the  sides  should  measure  seven 
inches. 

Handle, 

Push  the  ends  of  handle  well  down  amid  the 
weaving.  Weave  six  rows  of  coil,  with  No.  2 
brown  reed,  around  the  handle. 

Fig.  46. 

This  basket  is  made  from  the  natural  reed.  A 
rounded  effect  is  woven  for  about  three  inches  up 
the  sides,  the  end  spokes  are  then  flared  out.  A 
single  spoke  of  No.  6  reed  is  used  for  the  handle. 

OVAL  BASES 
MODEL  37.— FIG.  49 
NO.  1  OVAL  BASE 

Material 

3  spokes  No.  4  reed,  7  inches. 

5  spokes  No.  4  reed,  5  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Split  each  of  the  five  spokes  in  the  center  and 
pass  the  3  spokes  through  them — Fig.  47. 


102 


Practical  Basketry 


The  5  spokes  should  be  arranged  in  horizontal 
positions  about  ^  inch  apart,  the  end  spokes  about 
two  inches  from  the  end  of  the  base  spokes.  Fig. 
47.  The  base  is  woven  in  pairing.  Place  No.  i 
weaver  back  of  No.  i  spoke,  No.  2  weaver  back  of 
No.  2  spoke.  Fig.  48.  Pass  No.  i  weaver  over  No. 
2  spoke,  back  of  No.  3  spoke;  No.  2  weaver  crosses 
over  No.  I  weaver  to  the  front  of  base,  which  is  the 
side  facing  the  weaver,  passes  in  front  of  No.  3 
spoke  and  out  back  of  No.  4.  Fig.  48.  No.  i 
weaver  crosses  No.  4  spoke  and  out  back  of  No.  5 
spoke  and  so  on  around  the  base.  The  group  of 
three  base  spokes  are  treated  as  one  spoke  until  two 
rows  have  been  woven.  They  are  then  separated 
and  woven  as  single  spokes.  Fig.  49. 

MODEL  38.— FIG.  53 
NO.  2  OVAL  BASE 

Material 

3  spokes  No.  4  reed,  8  inches. 

7  spokes  No.  4  reed,  5  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  brown  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 

Arrange  the  seven  spokes  in  a  horizontal  position 
on  the  three  base  spokes.  The  spokes  arranged  ^ 
inch  apart.  The  end  spokes  double.  Fig.  50. 


Fig.  47  Fig.  48  Fig.  49 


Fig.  50  Fig.  51  Fig.  52  Fig.  53 


Oval  Baskets 


103 


Take  the  center  of  a  single  weaver,  or  using  two 
strands  of  different  colors,  place  it  or  them  under 
the  upper  three  base  spokes  and  back  of  the  upper 
end  spokes.  Take  the  left  hand  weaver,  or  the 
natural  one,  over  the  end  spokes,  down  under  F, 
up  over  B-E,  under  C  and  up  over  to  the  right 
where  it  crosses  over  the  end  spokes.  Fig.  50. 

Now  take  the  brown  weaver,  which  is  back  of  the 
upper  base  spokes,  bring  it  over  the  upper  end 
spokes  under  A,  over  B-E,  under  D,  over  the  lower 
end  spokes.  Fig.  50. 

Return  to  weaver  No.  i,  cross  it  over  C-D,  under 
B,  cross  over  A-F,  and  under  the  upper  left  end 
spokes.  Fig.  51.  Bring  No.  2  or  brown  weaver, 
under  the  lower  left  end  spokes,  cross  over  C-D, 
under  E,  cross  over  A-F,  under  the  upper  end 
spokes  over  the  upper  three  base  spokes.  Fig.  52. 
Finish  your  base  in  pairing,  as  shown  in  Fig.  53. 


104 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  39.— FIG.  54 
CARD  TRAY 

This  tray  is  made  by  combining  blue  and  natural 
color  reed. 

MATERL4.L 

3  spokes  No.  4  reed,  7  inches. 

5  spokes  No.  4  reed,  4  inches. 

32  spokes  No.  4  reed,  14  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  blue  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 

Through  the  five  spokes  place  the  three  7-inch 
spokes.  Arrange  each  of  the  five  spokes  ^inch 
apart.  Fasten  the  spokes  in  place  wath  two  rows 
of  pairing,  combining  the  blue  and  natural  reed. 
Separate  the  end  spokes  with  eight  rows  of  pairing, 
carrying  the  striped  effect  throughout.  Insert  32 
spokes  No.  4  reed,  placing  a  spoke  by  the  side  of 
each  spoke  in  the  base.  Turn  sharply  upward  and 
weave  one  row  of  triple  twist  in  No.  4  reed.  With 
blue  and  white  weavers,  weave  nine  rows  in  pair¬ 
ing,  carrying  the  striped  effect  up  the  sides.  Hold 
the  spokes  while  weaving  slightly  outward.  Finish 
with  one  row  of  triple  twist  and  plaited  border. 


Oval  Baskets 


105 


MODEL  40 —FIG.  55 
OVAL  BASE  BASKET 

Material 

4  spokes  No.  5  reed,  7  inches. 

7  spokes  No.  5  reed,  4  inches. 

29  spokes  No.  4  reed,  16  inches. 

Handle — i  piece  No.  5  reed,  20  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  natural  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  brown  reed. 

3  yards  braided  straw. 

Slip  the  four  spokes  through  the  seven  spokes. 
Arrange  the  seven  spokes  yi  inch  apart. 

Weave  a  base  over  this  7  inches  long,  4  inches 
wide.  Insert  the  twenty-nine  spokes.  Pinch  and 
turn  sharply  upward.  Set  up  two  rows  triple  twist 
in  No.  4  brown  reed.  Weave  seven  rows  of  braided 
straw  and  complete  the  sides  with  two  rows  of 
triple  twist  in  No.  4  brown  reed.  The  following 
border  is  used: 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  placed  back  of  next 
spoke  to  right.  Second  row,  each  spoke  is  placed 
in  front  of  next  two  spokes  to  right  and  in  back  of 
the  next  spoke.  The  ends  of  handle  are  inserted 
between  the  border,  through  the  triple  twist  and 
down  between  the  braiding.  The  handle  is  woven 
as  described  under  Model  18. 


io6 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  41.— FIG.  56 
NO.  1  OVAL  BASE  FLOWER  BASKET 

Material 

3  spokes  No.  5  reed,  6%  inches. 

7  spokes  No.  5  reed,  4  inches. 

27  spokes  No.  4  reed,  14  inches. 

27  spokes  No.  4  reed,  20  inches. 

4  spokes  No.  4  reed,  12  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Handle — 3  spokes  No.  6  reed,  33  inches. 

In  pairing,  weave  a  base  6  inches  long  3^  inches 
wide.  Insert  the  2  7  20-inch  spokes,  and  turn  up  udth 
four  rows  of  triple  twist.  While  weaving  the  bas¬ 
ket,  hold  the  end  spokes  out  toward  the  weaver, 
the  side  spokes  straight. 

Work  the  basket  3^  inches  in  single  weaving 
with  No.  3  reed.  Now  insert  the  27  14-inch  spokes, 
placing  a  spoke  by  the  side  of  each  spoke  in  the 
basket.  Weave  five  rows  of  3-coil  weave  in  No.  5 
reed. 

Place  the  four  spokes  for  the  border.  Complete 
the  basket  with  the  plaited  border. 


Oval  Baskets 


107 

Handle 

Place  the  ends  of  the  handle  through  the  border, 
down  about  2^2  or  3  inches  in  the  weaving.  Meas¬ 
ure  7  inches,  from  the  border  of  the  basket,  up  the 
handle.  Beginning  here,  with  fine  No.  i  reed, 
make  a  continuation  coil  around  the  handle  of 
basket  until  it  is  7  inches  from  the  end  of  the  handle 
on  the  opposite  side.  Now  separate  each  piece  of 
reed,  and  in  simple  weaving,  weave  the  remainder 
of  the  handle  over  one  spoke,  under  one,  until  it  is 
inches  from  border  of  basket.  Fasten  the  end 
of  the  weaver  up  bet-ween  the  weaving. 

To  make  the  handle  secure,  fasten,  in  double  cross 
form,  each  end  of  the  handle  to  the  sides  of  basket. 

Fig.  s7 

This  little  basket  is  useful  when  gathering 
flowers.  It  is  made  entirely  of  No.  2  reed,  and  is 
finished  with  a  braided  handle. 


TRAYS 


CHAPTER  DC 
TRAYS 

MODEL  42.— FIG.  58 
PIN  TRAY 

Material 

1 6  spokes  No.  2  reed,  15  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Over  the  16  spoke  foundation  weave  four  rows  in 
pairing.  Separate  the  groups  of  fours  into  groups 
of  twos  and  weave  six  rows  in  pairing.  The  base 
should  measure  four  inches.  Turn  the  spokes 
sharply  upward.  Consider  throughout  the  weav¬ 
ing  each  group  of  twos  as  one  spoke. 

Weave  two  rows  No.  2  reed  in  three  rod  coil. 
Hold  the  spokes  to  secure  a  slight  outward  slant 
and  weave  seven  rows  in  pairing.  Finish  the  tray 
with  following  border: 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  passed  back  of  next 
spoke  and  out. 

Second  row,  each  spoke  is  passed  in  front  of  next 
spoke  and  in. 


Ill 


II2 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  43 —FIG.  59 
CANDY  TRAY  NO.  1 

Material 

i6  spokes  No.  2  reed,  24  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Handle — i  spoke  No.  5  reed,  18  inches. 

Weave  a  base  over  the  16  spoke  center  3^ 
inches.  Turn  up  with  two  rows  of  No.  2  reed  in 
triple  twist.  Hold  the  spokes  in  an  outward  slant 
and  weave  six  rows  of  pairing.  Draw  the  weavers 
tightly  and  hold  the  spokes  in  toward  the  center  of 
base.  Weave  four  rows  of  pairing. 

Take  each  spoke  now,  pass  it  back  of  the  next 
spoke  to  right,  bring  it  down  the  side  of  the  basket 
to  the  base,  pass  it  through  the  two  rows  of  triple 
twist. 

Turn  the  basket  upside  down.  Make  the  base 
stand  as  follows. 

Working  to  the  right.  No.  i  spoke  is  passed  in 
front  of  No.  2  spoke  and  back  of  No.  3  spoke.  Each 
spoke  is  treated  likewise,  in  front  of  the  first  to  the 
right,  and  back  of  the  second. 

Handle 

Insert  the  ends  of  the  18  inch  spoke  well  down 
the  sides  of  the  tray.  In  coil  effect,  weave  eight 


Trays 


113 

rows  of  No.  2  reed  around  the  handle,  covering  it 
entirely,  as  illustrated  in  Model  No.  18.  In  this 
tray  the  size  should  be  just  large  enough  to  allow 
the  dish  to  be  removed  easily. 

MODEL  44.— FIG.  60 
CANDY  TRAY  NO.  2 

Material 

16  spokes  No.  2  reed,  25  inches. 

Handle — 2  spokes  No.  5  reed,  20  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

This  tray  is  woven  similar  to  the  preceding  one, 
excepting  the  top,  where  the  weaving  is  continued 
over  the  dish  until  five  rows  are  finished.  While 
weaving  the  last  five  rows,  the  spokes  are  bent  in 
towards  the  dish,  and  the  weaver  pulled  tight. 
Working  in  this  manner  holds  the  dish  from  slip¬ 
ping  out  and  makes  a  rounded  effect  at  the  top. 
The  handle  is  made  of  two  spokes,  which  are 
pressed  into  an  oval  shape  and  it  is  finished  by 
twisting  No.  2  reed  around  it  as  shown  in  Fig.  60. 

MODEL  45.— FIG.  61 
CAKE  TRAY 

The  tray  is  first  made  and  then  painted  with 
white  enamel. 

8 


Practical  Basketry 


114 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  7  inches. 

64  spokes  No.  2  reed,  16  inches. 

2  spokes  No.  6  reed,  26  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  3  reed. 

With  No.  2  reed,  weave  three  rows  around  the 
8  spoke  center;  separate  the  spokes  with  ten  rows 
of  pairing.  Insert  the  64  spokes.  Place  two  each 
side  of  the  base  spokes.  Weave  two  rows  in  triple 
twist  with  No.  3  reed,  holding  the  No.  5  spokes 
with  one  group  of  twos.  Now  in  double  weaving, 
weave  six  rows,  over  two  groups  of  spokes  and 
under  two  groups,  holding  the  No.  5  spoke  by  the 
side  of  one  group  of  twos  to  the  end  of  the  base. 
Weave  three  rows  No.  3  reed  in  triple  twist,  hold¬ 
ing  the  spokes  slightly  upward  while  weaving. 
Complete  with  two  rows  of  triple.  First  row  of 
triple  should  rest  on  the  base  of  basket,  while  the 
other  two  rows  should  be  slightly  upward  on  the 
sides.  Finish  with  following  border:  Holding 
the  under  side  of  basket  or  bottom  of  tray  toward 
you  and  w^eaving  to  right,  place  one  group  of  spokes 
in  front  of  next  group,  back  of  second  group  to 
the  right,  front  of  third  group,  back  of  fourth 
group,  in  front  of  fifth  group  to  the  right.  Bring 


Trays 


115 

the  spokes  out  to  the  front  and  down  through  the 
two  rows  of  triple  weave.  Each  group  is  worked 
out  in  same  manner,  until  all  groups  are  facing  the 
weaver. 

The  stand  for  basket  is  woven  in  two  rows;  first 
row,  each  spoke  is  brought  in  front  of  two  spokes 
and  in;  second  row,  each  spoke  is  placed  in  front 
of  one  and  back  of  the  next  spoke  where  the  ends 
are  cut  off  closely  and  carefully. 

Handle 

Place  the  ends  of  the  spokes  of  handle  through 
the  triple  weaving  and  in  back  of  the  weaving  of 
base  border.  Have  the  spokes  about  2  inches 
apart.  The  tray  is  completed  with  a  coiled  handle 
as  shown  in  Fig.  61. 

MODEL  46.— FIG.  62 
SANDWICH  TRAY 

This  tray  is  worked  out  in  the  natural  reed  and 
when  completed  dyed  brown. 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  5  inches. 

96  spokes  No.  2  reed,  20  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

HandIe--2  spokes  No.  6  reed,  31  inches. 


ii6  Practical  Basketry 

After  fastening  the  center  with  two  rows  of 
weaving,  weave  three  rows,  separating  the  spokes 
in  twos;  then  weave  fourteen  rows  in  pairing. 
Insert  the  96  spokes,  placing  three  spokes  by  the 
side  of  each  spoke  of  No.  4  reed.  After  aU  the 
spokes  are  inserted,  weave  three  rows  of  triple 
twist.  No.  2  reed;  considering  each  group  of  three 
spokes  as  one  spoke,  weave  five  rows  in  double 
weaving.  With  No.  2  reed,  weave  three  rows  of 
triple,  separating  the  spokes  in  groups  of  twos. 
Complete  with  the  following  border.  Consider 
each  group  of  twos  as  one  spoke.  Take  one  group 
and  place  it  over  the  next  two  groups,  under  the 
next  two,  over  the  next  two,  under  the  next  two, 
over  the  next  two,  under  the  next  two  and  out  in 
front.  Do  the  same  with  each  group  of  spokes. 
Allow  the  first  groups  to  be  woven  loosely  until  all 
the  groups  are  woven;  then  draw  the  loose  groups 
tight.  Make  the  border  uniform  throughout.  You 
are  now  ready  for  the  border  on  the  base  of  the 
tray.  Two  rows  are  woven  to  make  the  stand  for 
the  tray.  First  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  in 
front  of  next  three  spokes  and  back  of  next  three. 
Second  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  in  front  of  the 
next  three  spokes  where  they  are  cut  off  inside  the 
weaving. 


Trays 


117 


Handle 

Insert  the  two  pieces  No.  6  reed  between  the 
border  and  triple  twist.  Leave  about  a  two  inch 
space  between  the  inserted  spokes.  Fasten  se¬ 
curely  with  No.  00  reed.  With  No.  2  weavers,  weave 
three  rows  in  twirl  effect  around  one  spoke,  until 
about  inches  are  woven  up  on  the  spokes,  then 
considering  both  spokes  of  handle  as  one,  continue 
the  weaving  until  you  are  opposite  to  where  the 
spokes  are  joined.  Now  coil  the  weaver  around 
one  spoke  to  the  end  of  the  handle,  bringing  the 
weaver  each  time  down  under  the  tray  and  up  on 
the  other  side  of  spoke.  Treat  the  other  spoke 
in  the  same  manner  until  both  spokes  are  uniform. 
Hold  the  weaver  tightly  throughout  the  weaving 
of  the  handle.  A  loosely  tmdsted  coil  makes  a  very 
poor  handle. 

If  the  handle  is  woven  correctly,  groups  of  three 
coils  around  the  handle,  with  a  space  of  about  ^ 
inch  apart,  wiU  be  the  result. 

Fig.  63 

The  tray  is  made  of  natural  reed  No.  4  and  No.  2. 
The  inner  base  spokes  are  No.  4  reed,  the  inserted 
spokes  No.  2  reed.  Two  spokes  of  No.  5  reed, 
twenty-eight  inches  long,  are  required  for  the 
handle””the  weavers,  No.  00  reed. 


FRUIT  BASKET  TRAYS 


CHAPTER  X 

FRUIT  BASKET  TRAYS 


MODEL  47.— FIG.  64 
NO.  1  FRUIT  BASKET  TRAY 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  8  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  16  inches. 

I  spoke  No.  8  reed,  32  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Insert  and  fasten  the  spokes  in  position  with  the 
cross  weave.  Weave  four  rows  of  No.  2  reed. 
Follow  this  with  twelve  rows  of  pairing  and  nine 
rows  of  double  weaving. 

Insert  the  31  spokes  and  weave  with  No.  4  reed, 
four  rows  of  three-rod  coil.  Pinch  the  spokes  and 
set  up  three  rows  of  triple  twist.  Weave  eight 
rows  of  double  weaving,  holding  the  spokes  slant¬ 
ingly  outward.  Finish  with  three  rows  of  triple 
twist  and  the  plaited  border. 

Handle 

Insert  the  piece  of  No.  8  reed  down  through  the 
border,  through  the  weaving  to  the  lower  triple 

121 


122 


Practical  Basketry 


twist.  With  No.  2  reed,  coil  eight  rows  around  the 
handle  making  ten  twists. 


MODEL  48.— FIG.  65 
NO.  2  FRUIT  BASKET  TRAY 

Material 

1 6  spokes  No.  2  tan  reed,  46  inches. 

30  spokes  No.  2  tan  reed,  16  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  3  reed. 

Tan  colored  dish. 

Handle — 2  spokes  No.  5  reed,  25  inches. 

Over  a  16  spoke  center  weave  a  base  3^^  inches, 
separating  the  spokes  into  groups  of  twos.  Insert 
the  30  spokes.  This  will  make  groups  of  fours. 

Turn  up  with  two  rows  of  No.  3  reed  in  triple 
twist.  While  weaving,  curve  the  spokes  to  cor¬ 
respond  to  the  curve  of  dish,  draw  the  weavers 
tightly  to  hold  the  dish  securely. 

Follow  the  upset  with  eleven  rows  simple  weav¬ 
ing.  Consider  every  group  of  fours  as  one  spoke. 
With  two  rows  of  triple  twist  in  No.  3  reed,  sepa¬ 
rate  the  groups  of  fours  into  groups  of  twos. 
Weave  twenty-eight  rows  in  simple  weaving. 

For  the  sides,  take  one  spoke  of  each  group,  pass 


Fruit  Basket  Trays 


123 


it  back  of  next  two  groups,  bring  it  down  the  out¬ 
side  of  basket  and  through  the  triple  twist  at  base. 
The  spokes  will  run  singly  on  the  outside  of  the 
basket,  but  will  pass  through  the  triple  twist  at  the 
base  in  groups  of  twos.  After  all  the  groups  have 
been  passed  through  the  triple  twist  the  border  is 
made  as  follows : 

First  row,  each  group  is  passed  back  of  the  next 
two  groups  to  the  right. 

Second  row,  each  group  is  passed  in  front  of  the 
next  two  groups,  back  of  the  third  group  where  the 
ends  are  cut  off  closely. 

Border  for  Top  of  Basket 

First  row,  each  single  spoke  is  brought  back  of 
next  two  spokes. 

Second  row,  each  group  is  passed  in  front  of  next 
two  groups  and  back  of  third  group  where  the  ends 
are  cut  closely. 

Handle 

Insert  the  ends  of  handle  through  the  weaving 
about  inches  apart.  Coil  six  rows  around  the 
handle  and  fasten  ends  securely. 


124 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  49.— FIG.  66 
NO.  3  FRUIT  BASKET  TRAY 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  36  inches. 

9  spokes  No.  5  reed,  15  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  3  reed. 

Make  a  four  inch  base  in  pairing.  Turn  sharply 
upward  and  slant  inward  with  four  rows  of  No.  3 
reed  in  three  rod  twist.  Weave  eight  rows  in  No. 
2  reed,  over  two,  under  one.  Change  the  reed  to 
No.  00.  Weave  six  rows,  over  two  spokes,  under 
one,  with  three  stands  of  No.  00  reed  in  slewing. 
The  weaver  must  constantly  keep  drawing  the 
reed  tight  and  holding  the  spokes  well  in  towards 
the  center.  With  a  strand  of  No.  00  reed,  make 
eighteen  rows  in  the  plain  weave.  The  diameter 
should  be  now  inches  Hold  the  spokes 

slightly  outward  and  with  three  weavers  in  slewing, 
make  seven  rows,  weaving  in  front  of  2  spokes, 
back  of  I  spoke.  The  diameter  should  now  be 
almost  two  inches. 

Insert  the  9  spokes,  placing  a  single  spoke  by  the 
side  of  every  other  spoke.  Soak  all  the  spokes  well, 
pinch  wdth  pliers  and  bend  the  spokes  straight  out- 


Fig.  C0 


Fruit  Basket  Trays 


1 25 

ward.  Hold  them  in  this  position  until  three  rows 
of  pairing,  three  rows  of  triple  twist  No,  2  reed  and 
five  rows  of  single  weaving  are  completed. 

Bend  the  spokes  in  a  curved  effect,  hold  them 
slightly  outward  and  upward.  In  this  position 
weave  ten  rows  double  weaving.  Holding  the 
spokes  now  in  a  pronounced  upward  curve,  weave 
five  rows  of  triple  twist  in  No.  4  reed. 

The  following  border  completes  the  tray:  Turn 
down  three  spokes — No.  i  spoke  back  of  No.  2, 
No.  2  spoke  back  of  No.  3,  No.  3  spoke  back  of  No. 
4.  Now  place  No.  i  spoke  in  front  of  the  third  and 
fourth  spokes  and  back  of  the  fifth  spoke;  likewise 
place  No.  2  spoke  in  front  of  the  fourth  and  fifth 
spokes  and  back  of  the  sixth  spoke.  Continue  this 
around  the  basket  until  all  the  spokes  are  woven  in 
the  border. 


MODEL  50 
DESK  TRAY 

Material 

Board  12  inches  by  10  inches. 

45  spokes  No.  5  reed,  19  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. ' 

A  desk  tray  is  a  very  useful  article  and  is  made 
as  follows: 


126 


Practical  Basketry 


Bore  45  holes  through  the  board  about  H  inch 
in  from  the  edge  of  the  board.  Insert  the  45  spokes 
through  these  holes  allowing  inches  for  the 
bottom.  Make  a  foundation  stand  by  weaving 
these  end  spokes  in  front  of  2  spokes  and  back  of 
the  third  spoke. 

The  sides  are  woven  with  two  rows  of  three  rod 
coil,  then  in  double  weaving  until  the  tray  is  2 
inches  high.  Follow  this  with  two  rows  of  triple 
twist  and  the  plaited  border. 

MODEL  51.— FIG.  67 
SMALL  SERVING  TRAY 

Material 

Board  inches  by  6^  inches. 

Glass  8^  inches  by  5^  inches. 

Cretonne  8^  inches  by  5^  inches. 

60  spokes  No.  2  reed,  15  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Bore  60  holes  through  the  board  large  enough 
for  No.  2  reed  to  slip  through  easily.  The  holes 
should  be  one-half  inch  apart — 19  holes  on  each  of 
the  lengthwise  sides  and  1 2  on  each  end. 

Pass  the  spokes  through  each  hole.  Allow 
inches  for  the  bottom  of  tray.  For  the  base  border 
weave  one  row  of  pairing  and  the  following  border: 
Each  spoke  is  passed  in  front  of  the  first  spoke  to 


Fruit  Basket  Trays 


127 


right  and  back  of  the  second  spoke.  When  all  the 
spokes  are  woven  in  this  way,  place  the  tray  on  a 
flat  surface  and  make  sure  the  base  border  is  per¬ 
fectly  even  and  level. 

The  cretonne  and  glass  should  be  indentical  in 
size.  Lay  the  cretonne  on  the  board  flat  and  even, 
and  place  the  glass  over  it.  The  glass  must  fit 
snugly  and  tightly  to  make  a  perfect  tray.  Keep 
the  spokes  moist  to  allow  easy  weaving.  The 
weavers  must  be  soaked  until  very  pliable.  Weave 
y2  inch  of  pairing  with  No.  2  reed  or  nine  rows. 
Follow  this  with  one  row  of  triple  twist  in  No.  3 
reed.  The  plaited  border  completes  the  tray. 

A  very  pretty  effect  may  be  obtained  by  having 
a  pale  pink  flowered  cretonne  and  natural  color 
reed.  The  cretonne  and  color  of  reed  should 
always  harmonize. 


MODEL  52 

OBLONG  SERVING  TRAY 

Material 

Board  17  inches  by  12  inches. 

Cretonne  16^  inches  by  ii^  inches. 
Glass  16%  inches  by  inches. 

99  spokes  No.  5  brown  reed,  19  inches. 
Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Brown  stain. 


128 


Practical  Basketry- 


Bore  99  holes  through  board  equal  distance 
apart.  Stain  the  board  brown.  Insert  the  spokes 
and  allow  3  ^  inches  for  the  bottom  stand.  Make 
a  border  for  this  stand  in  the  following  manner: 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  back  of  next 
spoke  to  right. 

Second  row,  each  spoke  is  passed  in  front  of  the 
next  spoke  and  in  back  of  the  next  where  the  end 
is  cut  off. 

The  sides  are  now  woven.  A  4-rod  coil  No.  4 
reed  holds  the  glass  firmly  in  place.  Follow  this 
with  seven  rows  double  weaving  No.  2  brown  reed 
and  one  row  No.  4  reed  in  4-rod  coil.  Complete 
the  tray  with  the  plaited  border. 

After  the  tray  is  finished,  singe  it  to  get  rid  of  all 
the  loose  bits  of  reed — then  polish  the  board  with 
two  or  three  coats  of  wax.  The  cretonne,  reed  and 
stain  should  harmonize  in  color.  A  soft  brush 
produces  best  results  in  polishing  the  basket. 

MODEL  53 
OVAL  SERVING  TRAY 

Material 

Board  20  inches  by  14  inches. 

Glass  19  inches  by  13  inches. 

Cretonne  19  inches  by  13  inches. 

52  spokes  No.  5  brown  reed,  20  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 


Fruit  Basket  Trays 


129 


The  holes  should  be  made  about  one  inch  apart. 
Insert  the  52  spokes  and  make  foundation  stand  as 
described  under  preceding  model.  Be  careful  that 
the  board  is  perfectly  dry  before  placing  the  cre¬ 
tonne  upon  it.  Keep  the  spokes  moist  by  using  a 
wet  sponge;  be  careful  not  to  allow  any  water  to 
get  under  the  glass  while  weaving.  Best  results 
are  obtained  by  staining  the  board  first  and  then 
weaving  a  dyed  reed;  good  results,  however,  may 
be  obtained  by  making  the  tray  in  natural  reed 
first  and  then  staining  the  board  and  reed.  Great 
care  must  be  exercised  in  painting  the  tray  after  it 
is  made. 

The  sides  of  the  oval  tray  are  woven  two  inches 
high.  First  weave  one  row  of  4-rod  coil  then  seven 
rows  of  double  weaving  in  pairing.  One  row  of 
4-rod  coil  and  the  plaited  border  completes  the 
tray.  Polish  as  described  under  preceding  model. 

MODEL  54 

ROUND  SERVING  TRAY 

Material 

Diameter  of  board  10  inches. 

Diameter  of  glass  93^  inches. 

Diameter  of  cretonne  9^  inches. 

39  spokes  No.  4  reed,  20  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

9 


130 


Practical  Basketry 


Prepare  the  board  by  making  39  holes  ^  of  an 
inch  from  edge  of  board,  ^  inch  spacing  between 
each  hole.  Insert  the  39  spokes.  Weave  an  under 
base  stand  in  the  following  manner:  First  row, 
each  spoke  is  brought  back  of  next  spoke  to  right 
and  out  in  front.  Second  row,  each  spoke  is  passed 
in  front  of  next  spoke  to  right  and  in  back  of  sec¬ 
ond  spoke  where  it  is  cut  off. 

This  base  weaving  should  be  uniform  throughout 
so  that  the  tray  base  may  be  perfectly  even.  Stand 
the  tray  on  a  flat  desk  and  see  that  each  spoke 
touches  the  desk.  For  the  side  of  the  tray  weave 
one  row  of  4-rod  wale  and  flnish  the  ends  in  the 
usual  way. 

Insert  one  No.  4  weaver  and  weave  nine  rows 
around  the  tray.  Introduce  four  weavers  and 
work  one  row  of  4-rod  coil.  Finish  the  tray  with 
the  plaited  border. 


SCRAP  BASKETS 


•■.U  Mv  r!  ,  •  '■  -uW 


CHAPTER  XI 
SCRAP  BASKETS 


MODEL  55.— FIG  68. 

SMALL  SCRAP  BASKET  (CHECKER  DESIGN) 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  4  reed,  6  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  4  reed,  19  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Handle — 2  spokes  No.  6  reed,  10  inches. 

Weave  a  base  inches.  Insert  31  spokes  and 
weave  the  sides  inches  high,  in  the  following 
manner : 

Turn  the  spokes  up  with  two  rows  of  triple  twist 
No.  4  reed,  then  six  rows  of  double  weaving  in  No. 
2  reed.  Change  to  blue  No.  4  reed  and  make  a  coil 
of  triple  twist;  then  in  blue  and  white  check  weave 
sixteen  rows.  Follow  this  with  one  row  of  No.  4 
blue  reed  in  triple  twist.  Change  the  reed  to  No. 
2  natural  and  weave  twelve  rows  in  double  weav¬ 
ing.  One  row  of  blue  No.  4  reed,  triple  twist,  fol¬ 
lows  this,  then  sixteen  rows  of  blue  and  white  check 

133 


134 


Practical  Basketry 


(2  checks)  and  one  row  of  blue  No.  4  reed  in  triple. 
Change  the  reed  again  and  work  five  rows  double 
weaving  in  No.  2  reed.  Follow  this  with  two  rows 
of  triple  twist  and  the  border  described  under 
Model  22. 

Insert  the  ends  of  the  handle  well  down  amid  the 
weaving  and  with  No.  2  reed  make  four  coils 
around  the  handle. 


MODEL  56.— FIG.  69 

LARGE  SCRAP  BASKET  (CHECKER  DESIGN) 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  8  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  27  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  blue  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  natural  reed. 

Weave  a  base  7  >2  inches.  Insert  31  spokes  and 
turn  up  with  four  rows  of  triple.  Weave  twelve 
rows  single  wea\dng  in  No.  4  natural  reed,  then 
one  row  in  triple  twist,  No.  4  blue  reed.  Seven 
checks  in  blue  and  natural  follow  this.  Weave 
one  row  in  triple  with  No.  4  blue  reed  and  twelve 
rows  No.  4  natural. 

Follow  this  with  three  rows  of  triple  in  No.  4 
natural  reed. 


Fig,  t)^ 


Fig.  69 


Scrap  Baskets  135 

Complete  the  basket  with  plaited  border  de¬ 
scribed  under  Model  14. 


MODEL  57.— FIG.  70 
SCRAP  BASKET  IN  OVAL  REED 
Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  6^  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  27  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  oval  reed. 

Handle — 2  spokes  No.  6  reed,  46  inches. 

Weave  a  base  6  inches.  Insert  31  spokes.  Pinch 
sharply  and  turn  up  with  three  rows  of  triple  No.  5 
reed.  In  No.  5  oval  reed  make  forty-six  rows, 
placing  the  weaver  over  3  spokes  and  back  of  2 
spokes.  Carry  this  weave  throughout  the  basket. 
Finish  with  three  rows  of  triple  in  No.  5  reed  and 
the  plaited  border. 

Handle 

Make  two  rings  for  the  ring  handles  and  fasten 
them  to  the  sides  of  the  basket. 


136 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  58.— FIG.  71 
RUSH  SCRAP  BASKET 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  8  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  27  inches. 

Weavers  No.  5  reed. 

Weavers  braided  rush. 

Over  an  8  spoke  foundation,  weave  a  base  73^ 
inches  in  pairing,  with  No.  4  reed. 

Insert  31  spokes  No.  5  reed.  Pinch  sharply  and 
turn  the  spokes  upward  with  three  rows  triple  twist 
in  No.  5  reed.  In  single  weaving,  weave  twenty 
rows  of  braided  rush.  Complete  the  sides  with 
four  rows  of  triple  twist  in  No.  5  reed.  The  plaited 
border  completes  the  basket. 

While  weaving,  the  spokes  should  be  held  slant¬ 
ingly  outward.  Care  should  be  exercised  not  to 
spread  the  spokes  outward  too  much  as  this  wiU 
spoil  the  shape  of  basket.  The  diameter  at  the  top 
of  the  basket,  when  finished,  should  be  twelve 
inches. 


Scrap  Baskets 


137 


MODEL  59 

NO.  2  FLOWER  BASKET 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  ,4  reed,  4^  inches. 

26  spokes  No.  4  reed,  18  inches. 

II  spokes  No.  4  reed,  12  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  3  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Handle — i  spoke  No.  8  reed,  30  inches. 

Weave  a  base  in  pairing,  3^  inches.  Turn 
sharply  upward  with  three  rows  of  triple  weave. 
Hold  the  spokes  straight  and  weave,  with  No.  2 
reed,  three  inches  in  pairing.  Take  a  strand  of  No. 
3  reed  and  weave  six  rows.  Begin  the  shaping  of 
the  basket  by  holding  the  side  spokes  upright  and 
bend  the  end  spokes  sharply  down  the  outside  of 
the  basket.  Continue  the  wea\dng  until  sixteen 
more  rows  are  woven. 

Insert  the  ii  spokes,  between  the  end  spokes  of 
the  basket~5  spokes  on  one  end  and  6  on  the  other. 

Weave  eight  rows  of  triple  twist  and  the  border 
described  under  Model  22. 

Insert  the  handle  spoke,  down  the  side  of  the 
basket.  In  the  coil  twist,  weave  five  rows.  Fasten 
the  ends  of  the  weavers  securely. 


138  Practical  Basketry 

MODEL  60 

NO.  3  FLOWER  BASKET 

Material 

6^2  spokes  No.  5  reed,  6  inches. 

26  spokes  No.  5  reed,  24  inches. 

15  spokes  No.  5  reed,  12  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Handle — i  spoke  No.  8  reed,  20  inches. 

Complete  a  base  five  inches.  Insert  26  spokes 
and  turn  sharply  with  three  rows  of  triple  weave. 
Hold  the  spoke  straight  upward,  and  make  seven¬ 
teen  rows  No.  2  reed,  weaving  over  two  spokes  and 
under  one  spoke.  Introduce  slew  wale  with  two 
weavers.  Work  twelve  rows,  over  two  spokes 
under  one  spoke. 

Insert  the  15  spokes,  8  at  one  end  and  7  at  the 
other  end.  Weave  two  rows  of  3-rod  coil.  Wet 
the  spokes  well  and  bend  the  end  spokes  down  the 
outside  of  the  basket.  Hold  the  spokes  in  this 
position  during  the  rest  of  the  weaving — that  is, 
hold  the  side  spokes  erect  and  the  end  spokes  in  a 
downward  flare.  Introduce  two  No.  2  weavers 
and  make  fifteen  rows  in  pairing.  Open  the  end 
spokes  and  bend  them  down.  Weave  seven  rows 


Scrap  Baskets 


139 


in  triple  twist  with  No.  4  reed.  Finish  with  the 
border  described  under  Model  22. 

Insert  the  20  inch  spoke  for  handle.  Weave,  in 
coil  effect,  four  rows  around  the  handle.  Fasten 
the  handle  securely  to  the  basket. 


UTILITY  BASKETS 


CHAPTER  Xn 
UTILITY  BASKETS 


MODEL  61.— FIG.  72 
ARTISTIC  BASKET  WITH  LID 
Material 

lo  spokes  No.  s  reed,  6  inches. 

21  spokes  No.  5  reed,  i8  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Lid — 16  spokes  No.  4  reed,  15  inches. 

Make  a  bottom  in  the  ordinary  way,  inches. 
Insert  the  spokes,  pinch,  and  make  an  upsetting 
four  rows  in  3-rod  coil.  Hold  the  spokes  in  a 
slightly  slanting  outward  direction  during  the 
weaving  of  the  basket.  In  plain  weave,  make  2)4 
inches.  Follow  this  with  four  rows  triple  weave 
and  the  border  described  under  Model  22. 

Lid 

Arrange  the  spokes  in  position.  In  ribbon 
weave,  work  one  row  No.  00  reed.  With  No.  i 
reed,  weave  four  rows  in  pairing.  Hold  the  spokes 

143 


144 


Practical  Basketry 


to  secure  a  curved  center  for  lid.  Separate  the 
spokes  into  groups  of  twos  with  five  rows  of  pair¬ 
ing.  Separate  into  single  spokes  with  two  rows 
triple  twist  No.  2  reed.  Holding  the  spokes  in  an 
outward  position,  weave  nine  rows  pairing.  Wet 
the  spokes  and  place  the  lid  on  a  flat  board  or 
table.  Press  the  spokes  flat  on  the  board  and 
weave  two  rows  of  No.  4  reed  in  triple  twist.  In 
plain  weave,  work  six  rows.  Complete  the  weav¬ 
ing  with  the  following  border:  Turn  the  lid  upside 
down.  Take  each  spoke  back  of  next  spoke  to  the 
right,  bring  it  to  the  front  of  the  lid.  Second  row, 
each  spoke  is  passed  in  front  of  next  two  spokes 
and  back  of  the  third  spoke,  where  it  is  cut  off. 

Handle 

Make  a  ring  iX  inches  in  diameter.  Fasten  it 
to  the  center  of  the  lid  by  weaving  the  ends  in  and 
out  amid  the  weaving  of  lid. 

Fig.  73 

The  base  spokes  of  this  “Knitting  Basket”  are 
of  No.  4  reed.  The  inserted  spokes  are  of  No.  3 
reed,  twenty-two  inches  long.  The  weavers  are  of 
No.  2  and  No.  3  reed. 


Fig.  73 


Fig.  77. 


Fig.  70 


it' 


145 


Utility  Baskets 

MODEL  62.— FIG.  74 
MOTHER’S  SEWING  BASKET 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  7  inches. 

62  spokes  No.  4  reed,  18  inches. 

Weavers — No.  4  reed. 

Weave  a  base  seven  inches  in  pairing.  Insert 
the  spokes,  pinch,  and  turn  with  an  upsetting  of 
four  rows  3-rod  coil.  Bend  and  hold  the  spokes 
outward.  Work  four  inches  in  plain  weave  No.  4 
reed.  Wet  the  spokes,  pinch  and  bend  inward. 
Weave  two  inches  plain  weave.  Make  four  rows 
triple  twist.  Complete  the  basket  with  the  follow¬ 
ing  border:  First  row,  each  group  of  spokes  is 
brought  back  of  the  next  group  to  the  right  and 
passed  out  to  the  front.  Second  row,  each  group 
is  passed  over  the  next  four  groups,  back  of  the 
fifth  group  where  it  is  cut  off. 

MODEL  63.— FIG.  75 
LILY  BASKET 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  61^  inches. 

62  spokes  No.  4  reed,  18  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 


10 


146 


Practical  Basketry 


With  No.  I  reed,  fasten  the  spokes  with  three 
rows  of  pairing.  Separate  into  groups  of  twos, 
with  two  rows  of  pairing.  Separate  into  single 
groups,  with  two  rows  of  pairing.  Insert  two  No. 
4  weavers  and  work  ten  rows  in  pairing.  This 
makes  a  6K  inch  base. 

Insert  the  spokes,  two  spokes  each  side  of  the 
base  spokes.  Turn  up  with  an  upsetting  of  four 
rows  of  triple  twist  No.  4  reed.  The  spokes  are 
double  arid  carried  double  throughout  the  basket. 
Hold  the  spokes  so  that  the  basket  will  slant  out¬ 
ward.  Weave  four  inches  in  plain  weave.  Wet 
the  spokes  and  pinch  sharply.  Bend  the  spokes 
inward.  Work  one  row  in  3-rod  coil.  Follow  this 
with  fifteen  rows  in  plain  weave.  Bending  the 
spokes  slightly  upward,  work  five  rows  in  triple 
weave.  Cut  off  one  spoke  of  each  group.  Com¬ 
plete  the  basket  with  the  border  described  under 
Model  22. 

MODEL  64.— FIG.  76 
SMALL  BARREL  SHAPED  RUSH  BASKET 
Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  6^2  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  20  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  reed. 

Weavers  braided  rush. 


Utility  Baskets 


147 


Make  a  round  bottom  six  inches  in  diameter. 
Insert  the  31  spokes  and  make  an  upsetting  of  six 
rows  of  3-rod  wale  No.  5  reed.  Throughout  the 
basket,  hold  the  spokes  equal  distance  apart; 
weave  carefully  and  evenly. 

Prepare  the  rush  for  weaving  by  soaking  it  in 
water  until  it  is  moist,  or  wet  enough  to  keep  it 
from  cracking.  Do  not  try  to  weave  the  braided 
rush  dry  as  it  cracks  easily.  Slant  the  spokes  out¬ 
ward,  introduce  the  rush  and  weave  eight  rows  of 
simple  weaving.  Wet  the  spokes  well  and  bend 
them  in.  Have  the  rush  moistened  and  weave  six 
rows,  drawing  the  spokes  in,  to  secure  the  rounded 
effect.  Introduce  three  weavers  of  No.  4  reed,  and 
work  five  rows  of  3-rod  wale.  Complete  the  basket 
with  the  following  border: 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  carried  back  of  the  next 
two  spokes  to  the  right  and  out  to  the  front. 
Second  row,  each  spoke  is  passed  in  front  of  the 
next  two  spokes  to  the  right,  and  back  of  the  third 
where  it  is  cut  ofi. 


148 


Practical  Basketry 


MODEL  65.— FIG.  77 
LARGE  RUSH  SCRAP  BASKET 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  6  reed,  ’jyi  inches. 

62  spokes  No.  5  reed,  31  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  reed. 

Make  a  round  base  seven  inches  in  diameter. 
Insert  the  62  spokes,  placing  two  spokes  each  side 
of  the  base  spokes.  Weave  two  rows  of  triple 
twist.  Turn  the  spokes  sharply  upward,  weave 
four  rows  of  triple  weave  and  eight  rows  of  plain 
weave.  Insert  three  weavers  and  work  two  rows 
of  triple. 

Soak  the  rush  a  few  minutes  in  cold  water  and 
with  it  work  fourteen  rows  in  single  weaving. 
Where  any  ends  of  rush  are  joined  sew  them  care¬ 
fully  with  fine  raffia. 

Insert  three  weavers  and  make  seven  rows  in 
triple  twist.  Throughout  the  basket  each  set  of  2 
spokes  is  treated  as  i  spoke. 

Do  not  cut  any  of  the  spokes  off.  Make  a  plaited 
border  with  the  double  spokes.  The  spokes  should 
be  held  slantingly  outward,  while  weaving,  to 
obtain  the  desired  shape. 


Fig-  77  F,c.  75 


H-i. 


Utility  Baskets 


149 


MODEL  66 
OBLONG  TRAY 

This  tray  will  not  only  be  of  use  on  the  dressing 
table,  but  will  add  to  its  beauty  and  daintiness;  it 
also  serves  for  an  ideal  comb  and  brush  tray. 
Dimensions  inches  by  6^  inches. 

Material 

9  spokes  No.  4  reed,  15  inches. 

13  spokes  No.  4  reed,  15  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  3  reed. 

Place  the  9  spokes  in  a  horizontal  position,  equal 
distances  apart;  or  if  two  pieces  of  wood,  nine 
inches  long,  are  available,  make  9  holes  in  each 
piece  ^  inch  apart.  Through  these  holes  insert 
the  nine  15  inch  spokes.  This  holds  the  spokes  in 
a  firm  position  and  makes  the  weaving  simpler. 

Take  two  pieces  of  the  1 5  inch  spokes  and  weave 
as  I  spoke,  one  row  in  simple  weaving.  Now  insert 
a  strand  of  No.  2  reed  and  make  eleven  rows  simple 
weaving,  working  the  first  row  under  and  over  the 
same  spokes  as  the  two  1 5  inch  spokes  are  woven. 

Weave  one  15  inch  spoke,  weaving  from  right  to 
left,  under  the  first  spoke  and  over  the  second. 
Introduce  a  No.  2  weaver,  and  work  eleven  rows. 


Practical  Basketry 


150 

beginning  under  the  first  spoke  and  over  the  second. 
Weave  another  No.  4  spoke.  Continue  in  this 
way,  first  one  No.  4  spoke,  and  then  ten  or  eleven 
rows  of  No.  2  reed,  until  the  thirteen  pieces  of  No.  4 
reed  are  woven.  Both  ends  of  the  tray  should 
have  two  No.  4  spokes  woven  as  one.  The  weaving 
should  now  measure  9  inches  by  6  inches. 

Weave  one  row  of  triple  twist  around  the  tray. 
Wet  and  turn  both  end  and  side  spokes  sharply 
upward.  IMake  an  upset  of  three  rows  of  triple. 

With  the  spokes  moist,  weave  the  following 
border: 

First  row,  each  spoke  is  brought  back  of  the  next 
spoke  to  the  right  and  out  to  the  front. 

Second  row,  each  spoke  is  passed  in  front  of  next 
three  spokes  to  the  right  and  back  of  the  fourth 
where  it  is  cut  off. 


MODEL  67 
UTILITY  BASKET 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  6^  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  22  inches. 

Weavers  No.  2  reed. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Work  a  base  byi  inches  in  the  usual  way.  Insert 


Utility  Baskets 


151 

the  31  spokes  and  make  an  upset  of  three  rows  of 
triple  twist.  Work  nine  rows  of  double  weaving 
No.  2  reed.  Introduce  three  weavers  and  make 
two  rows  of  triple.  With  No.  2  reed,  work 
nine  rows  more  in  double  weaving.  Follow  this 
with  two  rows  of  No.  4  reed  in  triple,  twelve  rows 
double,  three  rows  triple,  twelve  rows  pairing  No.  4 
reed  and  seven  rows  No.  4  reed  in  4-rod  coil. 

Complete  the  basket  with  the  border  described 
under  Model  22. 

The  basket  is  enameled  in  white  and  gold  and 
makes  a  very  pretty  effect.  The  base  border  and 
the  top  of  the  base  are  painted  in  gold. 

MODEL  68.— FIG.  78 
SCRAP  BASKET  (OPEN  WORK) 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  9  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  29  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  15  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  reed. 

Make  a  base  8^  inches  in  double  weaving  No.  4 
reed.  Insert  the  31  29-inch  spokes.  Turn  sharply 
upward  and  make  one  row  of  3-rod  coil.  Insert 


152 


Practical  Basketry 


the  31  15-mch  spokes  and  work  three  rows  of  triple 
twist.  The  spokes  are  now  double  and  should  be 
held  straight.  Make  eight  rows  double  weaving 
and  four  rows  in  triple.  Leave  one  inch  space 
open.  Find  the  middle  of  a  long  weaver,  place  it 
around  one  of  the  double  spokes  and  weave  seven 
rows  in  pairing. 

Now  separate  the  double  spokes  into  single 
spokes  with  two  rows  triple  twist.  Leave  another 
inch  of  open  space  in  the  basket.  Take  the  middle 
of  another  weaver  and,  holding  the  spokes  double 
again,  weave  four  rows  in  pairing. 

Leave  an  open  space  of  two  inches.  Weave 
three  rows  of  pairing.  Number  the  groups  i,  2,  3, 
4,  5- 

Hold  the  second  spoke  of  No.  i  group  straight. 
Cross  the  first  spoke  of  No.  3  group  over  the  second 
spoke  of  No.  2  group,  and  place  it  by  the  side  of 
No.  I  group,  where  it  is  held  in  this  position  by 
placing  the  middle  of  a  weaver  around  it,  and 
drawing  one  end  of  the  weaver  to  the  inside  of  the 
basket,  the  other  end  to  the  outside  of  basket. 
Hold  the  second  spoke  of  No.  2  group  straight, 
cross  the  first  spoke  of  No.  4  group  over  the  second 
spoke  of  No.  3  group  and  place  it  by  the  side  of  the 
second  spoke  of  No.  2  group.  This  is  held  in  po- 


Utility  Baskets 


153 


sition  by  another  twist  of  pairing.  Take  the  first 
spoke  of  No.  5  group,  cross  it  over  second  spoke  of 
No.  4  group,  and  place  it  in  position  by  the  side  of 
second  spoke  of  No.  3  group,  where  it  is  held  in 
position  by  a  twist  of  pairing.  Weave  one  row  of 
pairing  around  the  basket  holding  the  spokes  in 
this  position.  The  second  spoke  of  each  group  is 
held  straight,  while  the  first  spoke  of  the  third 
group  to  the  right  is  crossed  over  theisecond  group 
and  placed  by  the  side  of  the  first  group,  where  it 
is  held  in  position  by  pairing.  Two  more  rows  of 
pairing  are  woven  holding  the  double  spokes  side 
by  side.  Follow  this  with  three  rows  of  4-rod  coil. 

The  basket  is  finished  with  border  described 
under  Model  22. 

Make  ring  handles  and  place  in  position  on 
opposite  sides  of  basket. 

MODEL  69.— FIG.  79 
FANCY  SCRAP  BASKET 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  7X  inches. 

62  spokes  No.  4  reed,  27  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Work  a  base  6%  inches.  Insert  the  spokes  and 
make  an  upset  of  four  rows  3-rod  coil.  The  basket 


154 


Practical  Basketry 


is  worked  with  double  side  spokes.  Hold  the 
spokes  straight  and  weave  twenty-nine  rows  in 
plain  weave.  Bend  the  spokes  slightly  outward. 
Weave  two  rows  3-rod  coil,  seventeen  rows  single, 
two  rows  3-rod  coil,  sixteen  rows  single  and  five 
rows  triple  twist. 

The  plaited  border  completes  the  weaving  of  the 
basket. 

Make  ring  handles  and  fasten  on  opposite  sides 
of  basket. 


MODEL  70.— FIG.  80 
ARTISTIC  SCRAP  BASKET 

This  basket  is  first  made,  then  enameled  in 
white  with  suggestions  of  gold. 

Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  7^4  inches. 

33  spokes  No.  5  reed,  29  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  reed. 

In  the  ordinary  way  work  a  round  base  seven 
inches  in  diameter.  Insert  the  33  spokes.  Make 
an  upset  of  four  rows  3-rod  coil.  Weave  ten  rows 
plain  weave,  eight  rows  double,  and  twelve  rows 
pairing.  Introduce  three  weavers  and  work  three 


Utility  Baskets 


I5S 

rows  3-rod  coil.  The  following  design  is  worked 
in  the  basket  on  opposite  sides:  Number  the 
spokes  I  to  33.  The  design  is  inserted  between  the 
spokes  Nos.  ii  to  17  (eleven  to  seventeen)  inclu¬ 
sive,  and  between  the  spokes  Nos.  27  to  33  (twenty- 
seven  to  thirty-three)  inclusive.  Insert  a  weaver 
back  of  any  spoke,  which  may  be  called  No.  i 
spoke,  and  work  one  row  around  the  basket  in 
plain  weave.  In  the  second  and  third  rows,  be¬ 
tween  the  spokes  Nos.  ii  to  17  (eleven  to  seventeen) 
and  Nos.  27  to  33  (twenty-seven  to  thirty-three) 
the  weaver  should  pass  back  and  in  front  of  the 
same  spokes  as  in  No.  i  row.  That  is,  in  the  first 
three  rows  the  weaver  should  pass  back  of  Nos.  ii, 
13, 15, 17  spokes,  in  front  of  Nos.  12, 14, 16  spokes, 
back  of  Nos.  27,  29,  31,  33  spokes,  in  front  of  Nos. 
28,  30,  32  spokes.  In  the  fourth,  fifth  and  sixth 
rows  the  weaver  passes  back  of  Nos.  12,  14,  16 
spokes,  front  of  Nos.  13,  15  spokes,  back  of  Nos. 
28,  30,  32  spokes,  in  front  of  Nos.  29,  31  spokes. 
In  the  seventh,  eighth  and  ninth  rows  the  weaver 
passes  back  of  Nos.  13, 15  spokes,  in  front  of  No.  14 
spoke,  back  of  Nos.  29, 31  spokes,  in  front  of  No.  30 
spoke.  The  tenth,  eleventh  and  twelfth  rows  of 
weaving  pass  over  and  under  the  same  spokes  as 
the  fourth,  fifth  and  sixth  rows.  Likewise  the 


Practical  Basketry 


156 

thirteenth,  fourteenth  and  fifteenth  rows  corre¬ 
spond  to  first,  second  and  third  rows,  which  com¬ 
plete  the  design. 

Between  Nos.  i  to  10  spokes  and  Nos.  18  to  26 
spokes,  the  weaving  is  the  simple  over  and  under 
weave.  Owing  to  insertion  of  design  it  is  some¬ 
times  necessary  to  pass  the  weaver  back  of  two 
spokes  to  get  the  correct  weave.  Follow  the 
fifteen  rows  of  weaving  with  three  rows  of  triple 
twist.  Bend  the  spokes  inward  while  making  the 
triple  twist.  Holding  the  spokes  in  the  same 
position  work  twenty  rows  plain  weave.  Follow 
this  with  five  rows  triple  twist.  Complete  the 
basket  with  the  border  under  Model  14. 


MODEL  71.— FIG.  81 
FATHER’S  WASTE  PAPER  BASKET 
Material 

8  spokes  No.  5  reed,  8  inches. 

31  spokes  No.  5  reed,  28  inches. 

Weavers  No.  4  reed. 

Weavers  No.  5  reed. 

Make  a  seven  inch  base  No.  4  reed.  Insert  the 
31  spokes  and  turn  up  with  five  rows  of  upsetting 
No.  5  reed.  Weave  fifteen  rows  single  weaving. 


Utility  Baskets 


157 


Insert  four  weavers  and  work  four  rows,  each 
weaver  passing  in  front  of  three  spokes  and  back  of 
one  spoke.  From  the  beginning  hold  the  spokes 
outward.  In  plain  weave,  work  twenty-six  rows. 
Wet  the  spokes  well  now  and  bend  them  in.  Intro¬ 
duce  three  weavers  and  work  three  rows  of  triple 
twist.  Drop  two  weavers  and  work  eleven  rows  in 
plain  weaving.  The  weaver  should  be  drawn 
tightly  from  now  on.  Weave  two  rows  in  3-rod 
coil.  Drop  two  weavers  and  work  sixteen  rows  in 
plain  weaving.  Wet  the  spokes  again  and  with  the 
plier  press  the  spokes  well  and  bend  them  outward 
for  a  slight  flare.  Work  seventeen  rows  in  plain 
weave.  Bend  the  spokes  down  and  make  three 
rows  of  triple  twist  No.  5  reed.  Finish  with  the 
following  border: 

First  row,  place  each  spoke  back  of  the  next 
spoke  to  the  right. 

Second  row,  carry  each  spoke  over  the  next  3 
spokes  and  down  to  the  outside  of  basket  where  it 
rests  under  the  fourth  spoke.  Cut  ofl  the  ends 
sharply. 


A  FEW  WORDS  ON  DYEING 


CHAPTER  XIII 

A  FEW  WORDS  ON  DYEING 


The  art  of  dyeing  has  been  of  interest  to  the 
peoples  of  all  nations  and  in  all  ages.  History 
shows  us  that  just  so  soon  as  man’s  covering  or 
clothing,  the  furs  and  skins  of  animals,  was  dis¬ 
carded  for  wool,  linen  or  cotton  materials,  just  so 
soon  was  the  desire  or  want  for  colors  made  mani¬ 
fest.  Man  began  the  study  of  coloring,  of  staining 
and  dyeing;  he  experimented,  and  in  his  new  need 
he  worked  to  reproduce  the  reds,  the  purples,  the 
blues  and  the  yellows  of  nature’s  exquisite  canvas, 
with  what  success  and  failure  we  have  a  fair  knowl¬ 
edge. 

Nothing  appeared  too  small  or  too  unimportant 
to  put  in  use  in  order  to  gain  the  desired  results. 
Vegetables,  fruits,  plants,  barks  of  trees  and  some¬ 
times  ludicrous  mixtures  were  part  of  the  workings 
for  this  purpose,  all  of  which  did  meet  with  rewards 
— ^for  dyes  and  beautiful  colors  were  discovered. 

From  the  plant  indigoferae  was  obtained  a  blue 
stain,  known  as  indigo.  Specimens  of  dyeing 
found  in  the  Eg3q3tian  tombs  show  examples  of 

II  i6i 


i62 


Practical  Basketry 


indigo  dye.  This  plant  {hidigoferae)  grows  and  is 
industriously  and  profitably  cultivated  in  South 
America  and  India.  It  was  imported  by  the 
Romans  from  India,  getting  its  name  from  that 
country.  Two  other  important  dyestuffs  dis¬ 
covered  in  the  early  ages  were  saffron,  which  gives 
yellow  shades,  and  madder-root,  or  to  be  more 
specific,  the  roots  of  madder,  which  produces  brown 
and  purple  shades. 

Thus  was  obtained  and  supplied  the  blue  dye 
from  vegetable  or  plant  life;  and  from  animal  life 
came  the  most  beautiful  red  dyes. 

Cochineal,  lac  and  kermes  better  known  as 
“grain  colors”  and  called  so  because  of  their  gen¬ 
eral  resemblance  to  grain,  are  reaUy  the  dried 
bodies  of  insects,  minute  in  size,  called  “cocci” 
berries,  which  lived  and  thrived  on  certain  kinds 
of  bushes  and  trees  and  which,  after  months  of 
care,  were  taken  from  their  berths  and  dried. 

These  dyestuffs,  used  of  course  with  a  mordant, 
produce  beautiful  shades,  which  are  fast  to  water 
and  light. 

Perhaps  no  greater  nor  more  remarkable  changes 
have  been  made  in  any  industry  than  in  that  of 
dyeing,  for,  the  saving  of  labor,  energy,  time  and 
money  by  the  use  of  modern  chemical  agencies  is 


A  Few  Words  on  Dyeing  163 

of  a  magnitude  not  easily  appreciable.  New  ways 
have  completely  supplanted  the  old.  This  revo¬ 
lution  was  due  to  the  accidental  discovery  of  mau- 
veine  by  Sir  William  Henry  Perkin,  who  by  this 
and  his  later  experiments  enriched  the  world  with 
one  of  its  most  important  discoveries.  After  his 
discoveries  became  known  great  factories  sprang 
up  throughout  Europe  manufacturing  coal-tar 
dyestuffs,  shortly  producing  the  “Basic  dyes.” 
Perkin’s  discovery  served  as  a  stimulus  to  other 
chemists,  who,  working  unceasingly,  soon  pro¬ 
duced  quantities  of  dyestuffs,  which  are  designated 
as  “Aniline  Colors.” 

Though  progress  has  been  made  and  the  dis¬ 
coveries  have  simplified  greatly  the  processes  of 
dyeing,  this  does  not  mean  that  experimenting  has 
ceased.  By  no  means.  Today  interested  and 
enthusiastic  workers  are  anxiously  and  patiently 
experimenting,  and  hoping  to  find  something  new; 
perhaps  they  will,  or  it  may  be  you,  who,  through 
your  experimenting,  will  uncover  to  the  world  a 
new  wonderful  dyestuff. 

In  preparing  raffia  for  work,  take  care  to  shake 
it  well.  You  will  find  that  the  best  and  easiest 
way  to  make  it  take  the  dye  will  be  to  soak  it  over 
night.  If  this  is  not  practicable  then  soak  it  at 


164 


Practical  Basketry 


least  three  hours.  Dissolve  the  dye  in  vinegar — 
the  dye  bath  should  be  warm. 

The  “Basic  Colors”  will  give  satisfaction,  but  I 
would  suggest  in  cases  where  a  great  deal  of  work 
is  to  be  done  that  the  fast  acid  colors  be  used. 

The  color  work  in  basketry  plays  a  very  impor¬ 
tant  part  as  well  as  a  fascinating  one.  There  are 
numerous  ways  in  which  a  basket  or  tray  may  be 
touched  up,  giving  a  charm  to  it  that  is  most  pleas¬ 
ing  to  the  eye  and  attractive  to  the  craftsman. 

The  entire  basket  may  be  made  first,  and  then 
either  dipped,  allowed  to  stand  in  the  dye  a  few 
minutes,  or  boiled  five  to  thirty  minutes;  it  may 
be  painted  with  Easy  dye,  stained  with  any  desir¬ 
able  furniture  stain,  varnished  and  waxed  up.  The 
basket  may  be  finished  off  by  using  either  fine  sand¬ 
paper,  or  powdered  pumice  stone,  but  in  finishing 
colored  baskets,  it  will  be  found  that  singeing  will 
be  the  most  successful  method. 

Again  to  have  a  contrasting  color  with  the 
natural  or  two  tints  of  the  same  color,  the  reed 
should  be  dyed  first  and  then  the  desired  effect 
worked  out. 

In  dyeing  reed  allow  it  to  soak  in  a  mordant  for 
two  hours.  This  opens  the  pores  and  makes  the 
dye  a  permanent  part  of  the  basket.  Three  ounces 


A  Few  Words  on  Dyeing  165 

of  alum  to  one  quart  of  water  makes  a  good  mor¬ 
dant  for  many  vegetable  dyes. 

Beautiful  shades  of  brown,  green,  blue  and  red 
may  be  obtained  by  using  logwood,  indigo,  fustic, 
cutch,  madder,  cochineal,  and  copperas.  A  very 
pleasing  finish  is  secured  by  painting  or  staining 
the  article  with  Light  Oil  Finish,  combining  it  with 
turpentine  in  whatever  proportion  desired.  Mala¬ 
chite  green  stain  used  with  turpentine  and  Light 
Oil  Finish  make  a  very  attractive  pale  green.  The 
alert  basket  maker,  who  desires  to  experiment, 
must  be  on  the  watch  in  the  autumn  for  natural 
dyeing  material.  The  leaves  and  flowers  of  plants, 
the  bark  of  trees,  berries,  etc.,  may  be  used  most 
successfully  in  obtaining  very  desirable  dye,  and 
with  patience  and  care  beautiful  and  delicate 
shades  may  be  obtained  from  vegetable  dyes. 

The  following  recipes  may  be  used  for  vegetable 
dyeing: 

Brown 

Dissolve  two  teaspoonfuls  of  madder  in  one 
quart  of  water.  Allow  the  reed  to  soak  in  it  five 
hours. 

Yellow  Brown  No.  1 

Soak  the  reed  for  several  hours  in  logwood 


Practical  Basketry 


i66 

extract — obtained  by  boiling  logwood  chips  in 
water  twenty  minutes. 

Yellow  Brown  No.  2 

Mix  in  a  quart  of  water  two  tablespoonfuls  of 
cutch  extract,  adding  one  and  a  half  tablespoonfuls 
of  fustic.  Boil  the  reed  in  this  solution  for  two 
hours,  but  test. 

Olive  Brown  No.  1 

Dissolve  two  tablespoonfuls  of  cutch,  two  table¬ 
spoonfuls  of  fustic,  and  one-half  spoonful  of  log¬ 
wood  in  a  quart  of  water.  Boil  the  reed  two  hours 
in  this  composition. 

Olive  Brown  No.  2 

Boil  the  material  several  hours  in  a  composition 
of  one  and  one-half  pounds  of  walnut  bark,  five 
teaspoonfuls  of  washing  soda  and  one-half  cup  of 
rock  alum. 

Yellow  No.  1 

A  good  yellow  can  be  obtained  by  experimenting 
with  smartweed. 

Yellow  No.  2 

Mordant  the  reed  in  a  solution  of  alum,  and  boil 
it  in  an  extract  of  fustic,  a  half  hour. 


A  Few  Words  on  Dyeing 


167 


Green 

Mordant  the  reed  in  a  solution  of  alum  and 
water,  and  then  dye  it  in  the  solution  composition 
— three  teaspoonfuls  of  indigo,  a  small  crystal  of 
copperas,  and  three  pints  of  water.  After  the 
material  is  removed  and  washed  dip  it  in  a  solution 
of  bark  extract  and  water. 

Olive  Green 

Mordant  the  reed  in  a  solution  of  two  teaspoon¬ 
fuls  of  copperas  in  one  quart  of  water.  Boil  the 
reed  then  in  the  following  solution;  To  three  tea¬ 
spoonfuls  of  bark  extract  in  a  quart  of  water,  add  a 
half  teaspoonful  of  indigo  and  a  small  quantity  of 
logwood. 

Indian  Red 

Dissolve  in  about  a  quart  of  boiling  water  two 
tablespoonfuls  of  cutch  extract  and  a  small  crystal 
of  blue-stone.  Boil  the  material  in  this  solution 
until  the  desired  color  is  obtained. 


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Iv: 


I 


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